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