Call for investigation into cause of quake in PNG
Port Moresby: The Hela provincial government in Papua New Guinea has asked for an independent group to look into the cause of the earthquake.
People are suspicious that the operator of PNGLNG project or anyone of the drilling companies may have used “Hydraulic Fracturing” or “fracking” method of drilling or waste water disposal that may have destabilised the rock structure beneath.
Governor Philip Undialu said that the call was made after those affected by the earthquake asked the provincial government to look into the cause of the disaster. Undialu said that the sudden earthquake was undetected by disaster relief offices both in PNG and abroad.
“Hela Provincial government will support the call from the Hela people especially victims of the earthquake to look into the cause of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake. “We know, the country needs this project but we owe it to the people especially the victims. More than 50 people died, hundreds got injured, many made homeless. I’ve been on the ground since day two of the earthquake and am devastated with the extent of damage done here,” Mr Undialu said. He said that though he appreciated the assistance they were receiving from the National Government, ExxonMobil and Oil Search towards the victims, they wanted this call to be taken seriously.
“Our long-term relationship will very much depend on the findings. I don’t want the projects resumes to resume operation until the companies are cleared of suspicion of any responsibility,” he said.