Significant Earthquake Hits New Britain Area of Papua New Guinea
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Synopsis
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck New Britain, Papua New Guinea, early on April 5, 2025. The tremor raised concerns of a tsunami, prompting warnings from authorities.
Key Takeaways
- Magnitude: 6.9
- Location: New Britain Region, Papua New Guinea
- Depth: 10 km
- Time: 01:34:43 IST, April 5, 2025
- Tsunami Warning: Issued
Port Moresby, April 5, 2025 (NationPress) A significant earthquake registering 6.9 on the Richter scale hit the New Britain region in Papua New Guinea early Saturday morning.
As reported by the National Center for Seismology on X (formerly Twitter), the seismic event occurred at 01:34:43 IST on April 5, 2025.
The epicenter was located 194 km southeast of Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain province, as per the findings of the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The coordinates for the earthquake's epicenter were 6.23 degrees South latitude and 151.64 degrees East longitude, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
The National Center for Seismology shared on X, "EQ of M: 6.9, On: 05/04/2025 01:34:43 IST, Lat: 6.23 S, Long: 151.64 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: New Britain Region P.N.G."
This tremor struck the New Britain region of Papua New Guinea, a place recognized for its seismic activity, given its position along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The US Tsunami Warning Center reacted by issuing a tsunami warning for the Pacific island nation, indicating that "hazardous tsunami waves are forecast for some coasts."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service also issued a tsunami threat.
A smaller aftershock, initially recorded at a magnitude of 5.3, occurred in nearly the same area about 30 minutes later, according to the USGS.
No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been released. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, advising residents in the impacted regions to remain vigilant for any aftershocks.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
