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04 Mar 2019 | 12:39 PM UTC

Papua New Guinea: 5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes near Madang March 4

5.9-magnitude earthquake strikes near Madang town on March 4; further aftershocks possible

Informational

Event

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck approximately 40 km (25 mi) east of the town of Madang (Madang province) in the evening (local time) of Monday, March 4. The quake occurred at 20:06 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). There are no initial reports of damage or casualties. No tsunami warning has been issued. Aftershocks remain possible in the coming hours.

Context

Papua New Guinea, including New Ireland, is in the active seismic belt called the "Pacific Ring of Fire" and frequently experiences earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and be prepared for aftershocks.