Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit the Eastern New Guinea region of Papua New Guinea at 09:17 UTC (19:17 LT) on September 20, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 104.3 km (64.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 104 km (64.6 miles).
Epicenter of M6.4 earthquake in Eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea on September 20, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 50 km (31 miles) NNE of Kainantu (population 8 509), 80 km (50 miles) ENE of Goroka (population 18 503), 85 km (53 miles) SSE of Madang (population 27 419), 135 km (84 miles) NW of Lae (population 76 255), and 155 km (96 miles) NNW of Bulolo (population 16 042), Papua New Guinea.
386 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 1 051 000 light.
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.
Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is estimated to be limited in severity and/or spatial extent. The number of people living near areas that could have produced liquefaction is low. Little or no landsliding is expected, but some landslides could have occurred in highly susceptible areas. The number of people living near areas that could have produced landslides is low.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.4 earthquake 49 km NNE of Kainantu, Papua New Guinea – USGS – September 20, 2026
2 M6.4 earthquake Eastern New Guinea region, Papua New Guinea – EMSC – September 20, 2026
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