PNG: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurs in Sanduan Province at around 00:39 Jan. 25

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in Sanduan Province, PNG, at around 00:39 PGT Jan. 25. The epicenter was about 155 km (96 miles) south of Vanimo. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 68 km (42 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout much of Sanduan and parts of western East Sepik, western Enga, northern Hela, and northern Western provinces in PNG and parts of western Papua, western Highland Papua, and northwestern South Papua provinces in Indonesia. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; however, 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.

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.