Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit Bismarck Sea near Papua New Guinea at 16:46 UTC on September 11, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Image credit: TW/SAM, ESRI
The epicenter was located 171.1 km (106.3 miles) SW of Lorengau (population 5 806) and 226 km (140.5 miles) NNE of Madang (population 27 419), Papua New Guinea.
270 000 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.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
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