PNG: A magnitude-5.1 offshore earthquake occurs southeast of New Ireland Province at around 18:47 Feb. 19

A magnitude-5.1 earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea off the southeast coast of PNG's New Ireland Province at around 18:47 Feb. 19. The epicenter was about 119 km (74 miles) east-southeast of Kokopo, East New Britain Province. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 60 km (37 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout parts of central and southern New Ireland, central and eastern East New Britain, and far eastern West New Britain provinces and northern parts of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. 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. 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.