More than 30 people are believed to have died after a magnitude-7.5 earthquake hit Papua New Guinea.

A local newspaper reported that at least 13 were killed in the Southern Highlands capital of Mendi, while 18 others died in nearby mountainous areas. According to the newspaper, some 300 people are injured. There was also damage to property, amid landslides and sinkholes. A government assessment team has been deployed to quake-hit areas to get a better idea of the impact. The military has been mobilized to help restore services and check infrastructure.