Washington, D.C., November 22, 2000—Peace Corps volunteers and staff serving in Papua New Guinea are safe following two major earthquakes in the East New Britain and New Ireland provinces on November 16. All eighteen volunteers serving in the affected areas have been contacted and no injuries were reported.
Aftershocks are anticipated for the next seventy-two hours and some volunteers have been relocated temporarily to ensure their safety. Peace Corps continues to closely monitor the situation.
Families with questions can the Peace Corps at (202) 638-2574.