M6.0 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit New Britain, Papua New Guinea at 15:13 UTC on March 13, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 50 km (31 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 56 km (35 miles).
The epicenter was located 65.5 km (40.7 miles) ESE of Kimbe (population 18 847) and 248.5 km (154.4 miles) SW of Kokopo (population 26 273), Papua New Guinea.
87 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 216 000 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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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