Deep M6.1 earthquake hits west of Panguna, Papua New Guinea

A deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit west of Panguna, Papua New Guinea at 12:52 UTC on January 16, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 408 km (253 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located about 75 km (46 miles) W of Panguna, Bougainville, Papua New Guinea and 86 km (53 miles) WSW of Arawa, Papua New Guinea.

442 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

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

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google