Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Admiralty Islands region, Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit the Admiralty Islands region, Papua New Guinea at 02:08 UTC on October 10, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.3 earthquake in Admiralty Islands Region, Papua New Guinea on October 10, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 135 km (83.8 miles) SE of Lorengau (population 5 806), 318 km (198 miles) E of Kavieng (population 14 490), 344 km (213.8 miles) SW of Madang (population 27 419), 370 km (230 miles) NW of Kimbe (population 18 847), and 425 km (264 miles) NNE of Lae (population 76 255), Papua New Guinea.
According to USGS PAGER, 1 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking, 58 000 light and 23 000 weak.
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 moderately resistant to earthquake shaking. The predominant vulnerable building types are reinforced concrete frames with unreinforced brick infill.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is considered unlikely. No significant landsliding is expected.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.3 earthquake Admiralty Islands region, Papua New Guinea — USGS — October 10, 2025
2 M6.3 earthquake Admiralty Islands region, Papua New Guinea — EMSC — October 10, 2025
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.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.