Solomon Islands: Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs just southwest of New Georgia Islands Dec. 15

A magnitude-5.2 earthquake occurred just southwest of New Georgia Islands in the Solomon Islands at around 12:33 Dec. 15. The epicenter was about 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Gizo, Solomon Islands. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt throughout Western and western Isabel provinces in the Solomon Islands and far southern Bougainville Province in Papua New Guinea. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake, and 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.