Strong M6.5 earthquake hits eastern New Guinea, Papua New Guinea
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit Papua New Guinea at 10:31 UTC (21:31 local time) on December 22, 2025. The agency is reporting a depth of 110.2 km (68 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 88 km (55 miles). There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
Epicenter of M6.5 earthquake in Papua New Guinea on December 22, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 42 km (26 miles) NNE of Goroka (population 18 503), 64 km (40 miles) SSW of Madang (population 27 419), 141 km (88 miles) E of Mount Hagen (population 33 623), and 200 km (124 miles) NW of Lae (population 76 255).
According to USGS estimates, 808 000 people are likely to have felt moderate shaking (MMI V), and 3 191 000 light shaking (MMI IV). Another 141 000 people experienced weak 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, and unreinforced brick masonry.
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 estimated to be significant in severity and/or spatial extent. The number of people living near areas that could have experienced liquefaction during this earthquake is large. Landslides triggered by this earthquake are expected to be few and localized.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.5 earthquake Papua New Guinea — USGS — December 22, 2025
2 M6.4 earthquake Papua New Guinea — EMSC — December 22, 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.