Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit the New Britain region, Papua New Guinea at 21:24 UTC on February 25, 2023 (07:24 LT on February 26). The agency is reporting a depth of 38.2 km (23.7 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles).

The epicenter was located 29.2 km (18.1 miles) ENE Kandrian (population 1 014) and 73.1 km (45.4 miles) SSW of Kimbe (population 18 847), West New Britain, Papua New Guinea.

According to the USGS PAGER, 28 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 259 000 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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google