Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea at 01:05 UTC on April 10, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.7 at a depth of 40 km (25 miles).
The epicenter was located 224.6 km (139.5 miles) WSW of Kavieng and 260.1 km (161.6 miles) NNW of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea.
3 000 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.
The quake was preceded by M5.8 at 23:41 UTC on April 9, M4.9 at 00:26 UTC on April 10 and followed by M5.1 at 01:09 UTC.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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