18 May 2024 | 02:31 PM UTC
PNG: A magnitude-5.8 offshore earthquake occurs in the Bismarck Sea north of East New Britain at around 00:04 May 19
Magnitude-5.8 earthquake occurs in Bismarck Sea near Papua New Guinea at around 00:04 May 19. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
A magnitude-5.8 earthquake occurred in the Bismarck Sea north of East New Britain at around 00:04 May 19. The epicenter was about 40 km (25 miles) north-northwest of Rabaul. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and shaking was probably felt throughout East New Britain, far eastern West New Britain, and New Ireland provinces. 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 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.
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.
