A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea early Saturday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred at 07:31 local time, off the shores of New Ireland Province, in the northeast region of the Pacific island nation.
The epicenter was located offshore, at a depth of approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles), sparking brief concerns about potential tsunami activity. However, no tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage.
New Ireland Province, situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is no stranger to seismic activity. The region is part of a highly active tectonic zone where the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates meet, frequently resulting in earthquakes and volcanic activity.
Local authorities and emergency services are continuing to monitor the situation and assess possible impacts on coastal communities. Residents reported feeling strong shaking, but initial indications suggest that infrastructure has largely withstood the event.
Papua New Guinea experiences hundreds of earthquakes each year, though only a small percentage cause major damage. Still, authorities urge vigilance and preparedness in the event of aftershocks or further seismic activity.