15 Aug 2022 | 02:18 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in Morobe Province at approximately 11:33 PGT Aug. 15
Magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, at around 11:33 PGT Aug. 15. No initial reports of damage, injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province at 011:33 PGT Aug. 15. The epicenter was about 83 km (51 miles) northwest of Finschhafen. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 64 km (40 miles), with weak-to-light shaking experienced in Morobe, Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, eastern Gulf, most of Madang, northern Oro, northern Central, and western West New Britain provinces. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. This earthquake is likely an aftershock following the magnitude-5.9 earthquake that occurred at around 04:57 PGT Aug. 14.
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
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
