Tsunami warning issued after 6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea
A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of New Britain, Papua New Guinea, on Saturday morning, prompting a brief tsunami warning. The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 194 kilometers east of Kimbe, a town on the island of New Britain. The US Geological Survey reported the quake’s depth as 10 kilometers, while the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre reported it as 49 kilometers, reflecting differences in measurement techniques.
Tsunami Warning Details:
The US Tsunami Warning Center initially predicted waves of 1 to 3 meters along parts of Papua New Guinea’s coastline and smaller waves of less than 0.3 meters for the Solomon Islands.
The warning was later lifted as the tsunami threat passed, with no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
Papua New Guinea is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to seismic and volcanic activity due to the interaction of several tectonic plates. The region is frequently affected by earthquakes, but major damage is uncommon in remote areas.
A smaller aftershock with a magnitude of 5.3 occurred about 30 minutes after the initial quake. Authorities continue to monitor the situation for potential aftershocks.
