Strong M6.4 earthquake hits New Ireland Region, P.N.G.
A strong earthquake, registered by the USGS as M6.4, hit the New Ireland Region of Papua New Guinea at 22:20 UTC on October 13, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 71 km (44 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 80 km (50 miles).
The epicenter was located about 151 km (94 miles) ESE of Kokopo and 274 km (170 miles) NW of Arawa, Papua New Guinea.
28 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 495 000 light.
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
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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