Strong M6.3 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea at 00:49 UTC on March 14, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 213 km (132 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 211 km (131 miles).

The epicenter was located 120 km (74.6 miles) E of Madang (population 27 419), and 147.5 km (91.7 miles) N of Lae (population 767 255), Papua New Guinea.

1 574 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

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.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google