Solomon Islands: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs in Solomon Sea northwest of Gizo at around 11:06 SBT July 9

Event

A magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea off northern Solomon Islands at around 11:06 SBT July 9. The epicenter was about 114 km (71 miles) northwest of Gizo. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 35 km (22 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout northern Solomon Islands and parts of southern Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible 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

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.