Shallow M6.5 earthquake hits near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit near the north coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea at 21:46 UTC on November 27, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 8 km (5 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 45.5 km (28.3 miles) E of Wewak (population 18 230) and 255 km (159 miles) N of Mount Hagen (population 33 623), Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea.

56 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 162 000 moderate, and 555 000 light.

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

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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google