18 Oct 2024 | 02:32 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs in the Solomon Sea near the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Oct. 18
Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs near Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, at 12:41 Oct. 18. No reports of damage or casualties.
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea, near the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, at around 12:41 Oct. 18. The epicenter was about 65 km (40 miles) southwest of Panguna, Papua New Guinea. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 35 km (22 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea and western Choiseul and Western provinces in the Solomon Islands. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties, and 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, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.
