Sinkhole destroys 16 houses in Papua New Guinea

abc.net.au
Tue, 21 Jul 2015 18:53 UTC

© Jamie Asa

A sinkhole in Papua New Guinea's East Sepik Province destroys 16 homes.

A sinkhole in Papua New Guinea's east has destroyed 16 houses and injured two people, local media says.

The Post-Courier reported the sinkhole appeared in the swampy Ambunti area of East Sepik Province and caused panic among locals.

Photos on social media showed huge cracks in the soil, as well as collapsed houses.

The newspaper quoted a witness who said the sinkhole formed about midday on Saturday, near the Sepik River.

The ABC has been unable to reach emergency officials.

© Jamie Asa

Two men stand near huge cracks in the earth and look at the damage caused by the sinkhole.

© Jamie Asa

The sinkhole in East Sepik Province caused houses to collapse.