6.5 magnitude earthquake recorded this afternoon

An offshore earthquake measuring 6.5 magnitude on the Richter scale occurred this afternoon off the coast of the West New Britain province.

 An officer from the Geophysical Observatory office, Matthew Moihoi, confirmed the earthquake took place at 4.15pm today.

The Geophysical Observatory office says there is no tsunami threat from this quake.

This earthquake took place 83km beneath the Arawe Islands of the West New Britain Province in the Western Solomon Sea.

It was caused by interaction between the Solomon Sea and the Bismark tectonic plates and was weakly felt in Port Moresby.

No damage has been reported.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton