SYDNEY, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese businesses and residents in Papua New Guinea have donated about 770,000 U.S. dollars in cash and emergency supplies to help victims of a major quake that hit the country's Southern Highlands less than two weeks ago, according to the Chinese embassy in the country.

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill accepted the aid in the capital earlier this week.

Chinese embassy charge d'affaires Yao Ming said on the occasion that Chinese aid will continue, reflecting the close business and community links between both sides.

O'Neill expressed gratitude for the Chinese contributions that will help the people of Papua New Guinea deal with the recent disaster.

The 7.5-magnitude tremor that hit southwest of the Mendi highland area on Feb. 25 has left more than 30 people dead, with aid agencies reporting about 150,000 people in urgent need of relief supplies.

Landslides and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper emergency efforts. Meanwhile, a series of aftershocks hit the country, with the latest quake of 6.8-magnitude recorded at 20 km east-northeast of the Taron area at 1739 GMT on Thursday.