23 Oct 2022 | 12:45 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs in Bismarck Sea, near Madang Province, around 09:53 PGT Oct. 23
Magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurs offshore of Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, at 09:53 PGT Oct. 23. No immediate reports of damage.
Event
A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in the Bismarck Sea, near the coast of Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, at around 09:53 PGT Oct. 23. The epicenter was about 102 km (64 miles) north of Lae. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 79 km (49 miles), and light-to-moderate shaking may have occurred in eastern Morobe and Madang provinces and western West New Britain Province. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties because of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
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 authorities do not find any damage. 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.
