Powerful 6.9-magnitude Earthquake Strikes off Papua New Guinea

A strong 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea on Monday, officials said, but no Pacific-wide tsunami warning was issued with little damage expected due to the remote location. The tremor was estimated at a depth of 35 kilometres (22 miles) on New Britain island, 418 kilometres northeast of the capital Port Moresby, the United States Geological Survey said.

The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center ruled out a widespread tsunami. “Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake,” it said. Australian seismologists estimated the quake at 6.8-magnitude and said damage was highly unlikely with few inhabitants in the area. READ MORE