Some 163 people have been confirmed dead after a tropical cyclone tore through the Central Pacific country of Papua New Guinea, it has been revealed.
Flooding caused by cyclone Guba is estimated to have destroyed around one thousand houses and affected at least 145,000 people, reports Italy's AGI news.
The cyclone hit the eastern region of the country, with the Oro Province suffering the worst damage.
A police spokesperson told Reuters: "We need a massive relief effort to stop people starving."
The devastation of cyclone Guba closely followed an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the richter scale in the Bougainville province, but fortunately reports of injuries have yet to emerge.
Papua New Guinea lies on the notorious "Ring of Fire", where continental plates meet.
The country is home to around 5.5 million people and boasts over 1,000 indigenous cultures, which has helped establish it as a popular tourist destination in recent years.
Australia's government has pledged its support and "stands ready to assist" in any relief effort, reports the BBC.
