Deep M6.1 earthquake hits Papua New Guinea
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Bougainville region of Papua New Guinea at 11:21 UTC on May 7, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 466 km (289 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.7 at a depth of 493 km (306 miles).
The epicenter was located 219 km (136 miles) NNW of Arawa, Bougainville, and 271 km (168 miles) E of Kokopo, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
There are about 55 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
139 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.
The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and unreinforced brick masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Regional seismicity
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