On April 1, 2002, a Mw  5.3 magnitude earthquake struck near the coast of Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea.

Due to the location at a major plate boundary zone, Papua New Guinea is struck by earthquakes and tsunamis frequently and is one of the world's most seismically active regions.

The range formed as a result of thrusting which began 3.7 million years ago and has an elevation of 4,000 meters.

Bedrock landsliding is frequent within the range, caused by rainfall and earthquakes associated with the nearby thrust faults.

The road network was cut due to the heavy rain, but the injured were evacuated by the helicopters that brought in the rescue workers.