Quake of magnitude 6.6 shakes Lae city in Papua New Guinea, causing panic among residents but no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake struck early Tuesday morning near Lae, one of the country’s largest cities. The quake’s epicenter was located about 100 kilometers from Lae, at a depth of 60 kilometers beneath the surface.
Local authorities said the tremor was strongly felt across Morobe Province and nearby coastal areas. Some residents rushed out of homes and offices as buildings swayed for several seconds. Officials confirmed that while quake of magnitude 6.6 shakes Lae city in Papua New Guinea, no tsunami warning was issued since the quake occurred inland.
Emergency services are assessing possible structural damage to roads, schools, and hospitals. Power outages were reported in parts of Lae, but utility crews have begun restoration work. Residents have been advised to remain alert for potential aftershocks, which are common after large quakes in the region.
Papua New Guinea sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The country often experiences strong tremors due to shifting tectonic plates beneath the region.
Officials from the country’s Geological Observatory said that the latest quake of magnitude 6.6 shakes Lae city in Papua New Guinea is one of several significant seismic events recorded this year. They added that continuous monitoring is underway to detect any further ground movement or related hazards.
So far, no reports of injuries or fatalities have been confirmed, but authorities continue to inspect remote villages near the epicenter. The government has urged people to stay calm and follow official safety guidelines.
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