03 Mar 2023 | 10:18 AM UTC
PNG: A magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs off the west coast of Bougainville March 3
Magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurs west of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, at around 20:41 March 3. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea off the west coast of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville at around 20:41 March 3. The epicenter was about 120 km (74 miles) west-northwest of Panguna. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 50 km (31 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout much of Bougainville and parts of far southern New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea, and the far northern islands of the Solomon Islands. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and 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 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.
