Earthquake, Papua New Guinea: Australia’s closest neighbour rocked by massive 6.2magnitude quake

A 6.2magnitude earthquake has struck the New Britain province of Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea is Australia’s closest neighbour.

The earthquake hit at 7.24am (AEDT) at a depth of 57km, according to Geoscience Australia.

The United States Geological Survey said it happened around 47km from Kimbe, New Britain’s capital.

The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed there is no tsunami threat to Australia.

A 6.2magnitude earthquake has struck the New Britain province (pictured) of Papua New Guinea, around 47km from Kimbe, the provincial capital

The Bureau of Meteorology tweeted (pictured) that there is no tsunami threat to Australia

The effects are said to have been felt throughout much of West New Britain, parts of eastern Morobe, and far western East New Britain provinces. 

It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. 

Aftershocks are likely over the coming days.

Papua New Guinea lies along the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Pacific Ocean, making it vulnerable to earthquakes as shifting tectonic plates push against each other.

The Ring of Fire stretches 40,000km from the Pacific Plate to smaller plates such as the Philippine Sea plate and the Cocos and Nazca Plates.

The world’s most active volcanoes are also along the Ring of Fire.

Last September, an even bigger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck Papua New Guinea, causing widespread panic. 

More to come. 

The United States Geological Survey said the earthquake happened around 47km from Kimbe (pictured), New Britain’s capital

A photo of the September 2022 earthquake in Papua New Guinea shows the damage inside a home

Photos showed cracked roads near the September 2022 7.6 magnitude earthquake’s epicentre