Strong M6.5 earthquake hits New Britain, Papua New Guinea

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit the New Britain region, Papua New Guinea at 20:56 UTC on April 14, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 49 km (30 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 110 km (68 miles) E of Kimbe (population 18 800) and 595 km (369 miles) NE of Port Moresby (283 000), Papua New Guinea.

50 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 139 000 moderate, and 419 000 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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, ESRI