M6.1 earthquake hits New Britain, P.N.G.

New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake location April 13, 2022

A strong earthquake registered by the EMSC as M6.1 hit the New Britain region of Papua New Guinea at 03:00 UTC on April 13, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 156 km (96 miles). USGS is reporting it as M5.9 at a depth of 147 km (91 miles).

The epicenter was located about 34 km (21 miles) WSW of Kokopo (population 26 273) and 238 km (148 miles) ENE of Kimbe (population 18 847), Papua New Guinea.

There are about 240 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

548 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking, according to the USGS PAGER.

New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake location April 13, 2022
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake location April 13, 2022
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake on April 13, 2022 population exposure
New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake on April 13, 2022 population exposure table

Selected cities exposed

New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake on April 13, 2022 exposed cities

Regional seismicity

New Britain, PNG M6.1 earthquake on April 13, 2022 regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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