A total of five people were killed, and dozens injured following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake which shook sections of Papua New Guinea this morning.

It is understood that residents in northern towns near the epicenter reported intense shaking mid-morning that cracked roads and rattled the cladding off buildings.

The quake was felt as far as the capital Port Moresby about 300 miles (480 kilometers) away. Additionally, The US Geological Survey initially issued a tsunami warning for nearby coastal areas, but subsequently said the threat had passed.

A statement from Local member of parliament Kessy Sawang also revealed at least two people had died in remote mountain villages, with four others airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

While in nearby Wau, Koranga Alluvial Mining said three miners had been buried alive.

In addition to the carnage, communication has also been limited in affected areas due to the damage to telephone lines. As a result of this, rescue efforts have proven difficult.