Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO)

The Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) says the earthquake, which occurred about 40km South-West of Pomio, was a result of interaction between the South Bismarck and Solomon Plates.

“The earthquake was felt in Rabaul but no damage from this earthquake has been reported, however, communications in the Pomio area are challenging,” said the PMGO.

“Based on the available data, it is unlikely that this earthquake would have generated a tsunami. 

Residents in Ialibu and Hela have confirmed that the quake had been a strong one, lasting for almost 10 seconds.

The Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory (PMGO) says the epicentre was about 45km West of Tari. 

Details are:

Time:                     3.48 pm

Location:              5.8 ° S, 142.5 ° E

Depth:                  10km

Mag:                      6.3

“The earthquake occurred as a result of fault movements in the Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt, which runs parallel to the axial mountain range of PNG,” reports the PMGO.