29 Dec 2023 | 04:34 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurs in Solomon Sea at around 14:37 Dec. 29
Magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurs near Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, at around 14:37 Dec. 29. No immediate reports of damage or casualties.
A magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea, near Bougainville Province in Papua New Guinea, at around 14:37 Dec. 29. The epicenter was approximately 89 km (55 miles) southwest of Panguna, Papua New Guinea. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt in Bougainville Province in Papua New Guinea and Choiseul and western Western provinces in Solomon Islands. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties; 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 no damage is found. Utility outages are possible where shaking occurred.
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
