High-intensity earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea

PORT VILA: The 7.0 magnitude quake has struck near coastal Papua New Guinea on Friday.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning saying hazardous tsunami waves were possible but later said the threat had passed. According to details, a strong earthquake of 7.3 magnitudes hit north-northwest of Popondetta, Papua New Guinea.

As per the US Geological Survey, the earthquake was 80 kilometers deep within the earth’s surface. The nation’s disaster management authority said the epicenter of the earthquake was inland near Kokoda and assessment teams had been deployed.

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Tremors were also felt in the capital Port Moresby about 200 kilometres away but not strongly. No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been made as a result of Friday’s earthquake.

The tsunami warning center estimated its strength at magnitude 7.3, but the U.S. Geological Survey said it was magnitude 7.0, and centered about 53 miles deep and 71 miles north of Kokoda in Papua New Guinea’s northern province.