SYDNEY: A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.6 struck off the eastern coast of Papua New Guinea on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake’s epicenter was located 123.2 kilometers (76.5 miles) from Kokopo, a town in the country’s East New Britain province.
The quake hit at a depth of 51 kilometers (31.6 miles), the USGS reported. Despite the tremor’s strength, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries.
The Papua New Guinea National Disaster Centre is currently assessing the situation to evaluate any potential damage.
Local Reactions
Vernon Gash, a hotel receptionist in Kokopo, described the quake as “a bit intense.” He said the shaking lasted less than a minute, but the impact was strong enough to be noticeable. “We are used to it, it happens all the time,” Gash added. Despite the tremor, he confirmed there was no damage to the hotel.
Tsunami and Aftershocks
No tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake, and there have been no reports of unusual sea activity. However, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the situation for any potential aftershocks.
Earthquake Risks in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea sits on the Pacific’s “Ring of Fire,” a region known for frequent seismic activity due to tectonic plate movements. Earthquakes are relatively common in the country, but they usually cause limited damage in sparsely populated areas. However, they can still trigger dangerous landslides, which pose a significant risk to nearby communities.
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