Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea at 13:51 UTC on March 7, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 30 km (18 miles).
The epicenter was located 73.1 km (45.4 miles) SSW of Kavieng (population 14 490) and 219.7 km (136.5 miles) NW of Kokopo (population 26 273), East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
8 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 87 000 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.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking


Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.
Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Do they still practice cannibalism in these regions?
Please accept JESUS CHRIST as your Lord and Savior while there is till time, judgement is coming upon ALL unbelievers! Read biblical end times prophecy, listen to Dr Ron Rhodes on end times chronology.