PAPUA NEW GUINEA PAINS

QUAKE-HIT PNG struggles to assess damage.

Communications blackouts and blocked roads hampered rescue efforts ''Wednesday''  as Papua New Guinea struggled to assess the damage from a-

Massive earthquake which has forced oil and gas fields to close in a blow to the economy.

The 7.5 magnitude tremor stuck 90 kilometres [55 miles] south of Porgera in the Pacific nation's    mountainous Enga province early Monday, with aftershocks continuing to rumble through the rugged region.

Local media reported that aerial surveys of the  worst  hit-areas showed bridges and infrastructure destroyed, along with private homes, while images revealed large cracks in the ground.

With communications and access impaired, conflicting details emerged of the toll and extent of the damage.

The  PNG  Post-Courier newspaper  reported on Tuesday said more than 30 people may have died, but on Wednesday it reported that only 14 victims   had been confirmed,   in the Southern Highlands and   Hela province.

All were killed when their houses collapsed as they slept, it said.

The  PNG police said in a statement it understood more than 20 lives had been lost. No official government death toll has been provided.

Assessment teams were at work, with the  military mobilised to help restore services.

Australia said it had sent a   transport plane  to conduct aerial surveillance and provide logistical support to the  PNG Defence Force after a request by Port Moresby.

''We are saddened to hear reports of lives lost and many people being injured,'' said Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

''Given the challenging terrain and remoteness of the area, we expect that the extent of the damage will become clearer in coming days.'' [Agencies].