Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits West Papua Region, Indonesia

The epicenter was located 28 km (18 miles) S of Nabire (population 43 898), and 279 km (173 miles) SSE of Ransiki (population 16 245), West Papua, Indonesia

10 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 116 000 strong, 50 000 moderate and 804 000 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 vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides, fires and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

References:

¹ M6.1 earthquake West Papua, Indonesia – USGS – September 18, 2025

² M6.1 earthquake West Papua, Indonesia – EMSC – September 18, 2025

Teo Blašković

I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.

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