Provincial authorities in PNG say more than 30 people are believed to have been killed in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands after a 7.6‑magnitude earthquake struck yesterday morning.

The Post Courier newspaper reported Hela Provincial Administrator William Bando saying at least 13 people have been killed in Southern Highlands capital Mendi and 18 others are believed to have been killed in Kutubu and Bosave.

Authorities also said more than 300 people were injured and many and properties were destroyed during the quake.