Deep M6.5 earthquake under Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

A strong and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit under the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea at 05:36 UTC on March 1, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 598.9 km (372.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 610 km (380 miles).

The earthquake epicenter was located 108.8 km (67.5 miles) NW of Kimbe (population 18 847) and 287.2 km (178.1 miles) SW of Kavieng (population 14 490), Papua New Guinea.

336 000 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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, PTWC said.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google