14 Nov 2022 | 04:46 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs in Bismarck Sea, near West New Britain Province, around 13:52 PGT Nov. 14
Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs near West New Britain, Papua New Guinea, at 13:52 PGT Nov. 14. No immediate reports of damage.
Event
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the Bismarck Sea, near West New Britain Province, at around 13:52 PGT Nov. 14. The epicenter was about 167 km (104 miles) north of Finschhafen. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking may have occurred in western West New Britain, northern Morobe, and far eastern Madang provinces. 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. Light 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.
