7 dead in PNG's 7.6-magnitude earthquake: police

SYDNEY -- Seven people have been confirmed dead after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s Markham Valley on Sunday morning, according to the Royal PNG Constabulary.

In a statement released on Monday afternoon, Commissioner of Police David Manning said that a second 5.0-magnitude earthquake was also recorded on Sunday at 10:42 am local time (0042 GMT), occurring 70 km north of the original tremor at a depth of 101 km underground.

According to the statement, the most significant damage has been reported in the districts of Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Madang provinces, with several landslides triggered.

"Sadly, seven people have been confirmed dead as a result of these landslides. Three in Kabwum District and three in Wau Town, Morobe Province, and one in Rai Coast, Madang Province," said Manning.

The commissioner expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, adding that response operations are underway and being strengthened.