Papua New Guinea: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs in eastern Papua New Guinea at around 0258 Jan. 24

Event

A magnitude-5.5 earthquake occurred in eastern Papua New Guinea at 0258 Jan. 24. The epicenter was about 93.7 km (58.1 mi) east-northeast of Lae. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 53 km (33 miles), and moderate shaking was probably felt as far away as Madang. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, significant damage is unlikely as the area experiences frequent tremors. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.