Hela Province

At least 10 women and five children were massacred in Hela Province, in a suspected revenge attack which reportedly left the victims mutilated and unrecognisable.

After news broke on Tuesday Mr Marape said it was one of the saddest days of his life and vowed to use "the strongest measures in law" against the killers.

On Facebook, the Prime Minister said the killings, which took place in his electorate, were led by gunmen from the Haguai, Okiru and Liwi tribes.

Governor Philip Undialu said according to information they have received so far, most of the powerlines, roads, health and education infrastructure have all crumbled during the quake.

One of the most seriously affected areas is the LNG site and the facilities, which are currently on a temporary shutdown.