Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Hit in New Ireland Region, P.N.G.

- Time: 2024-07-12 at 17:12:50 UTC
             2024-07-13 at 03:12:50 Port Moresby
- Location: -3.81° LAT, 151.36° LON
- Magnitude: Mww5.5
- Depth: 17 km
- Focal mechanism: Strike Slip
- Provider: USGS, USGS_Quakes, GlobalCMT

Picture 1: Location of the magnitude 5.5 earthquake in New Ireland Region, P.N.G.

The earthquake occurred on one of the D-waves we highlighted on July 9, 2024, as shown in the image below and here.

D-waves (D stands for Dangerous) are potentially dangerous tectonic waves due to the elevated seismic activity along these waves, including major seismic event and their contribution to the elevation of tectonic tractions (shear- and dynamic traction) in multiple regions worldwide.

Picture 2: Regions exposed to higher earthquake-triggering based on the D-wave, posted on July 9, 2024.

The earthquake also occurred within a region with INCREASED seismic hazard exposure (yellow alert) as announced in our latest weekly earthquake forecast for the Indonesia region, on July 1, 2024, available here.

Picture 3: Picture showing increased hazard exposure in the region of the earthquake.

According to Quantectum’s Macroseismic Intensity map, the earthquake reached level V macroseismic intensity, associated with STRONG shaking and potential no damage to the infrastructure. The most potentially exposed cities were Rabaul (pop. 8,000), Kokopo (pop. 26,000) and Kavieng (pop. 14,000).

Picture 3: Macroseismic intensity map for the magnitude 5.5 earthquake in New Ireland Region, P.N.G.

There have been no reports of damage, injuries, or casualties as a result of the earthquake so far.

* The exact information about the magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the earthquake might be revised within the next few hours as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other data providers issue their reports.

** The information provided is a product of Quantectum's own system, please tag Quantectum when sharing it. For more detailed information, contact us by email.