Dozens dead in Papua New Guinea after earthquake

More than 30 people are suspected dead after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake rocked southern Papua New Guinea on Monday. The quake and powerful aftershocks struck provinces in Southern Highlands and Hela, disrupting communication and power networks. Julie Sakol, a nurse at Mendi General Hospital in the provincial capital of the Southern Highlands, told Reuters a landslide and two collapsed buildings killed at least 12 people. The country’s Post Courier newspaper reported at least 18 other people died in the Kutubu and Bosave areas. Hela Provincial administrator William Bando told the Associated Press downed power lines and blocked roads prevented officials from confirming casualty and injury counts. ExxonMobil shut down a gas conditioning plant and a private airport it operates in the country and evacuated nonessential staff.