7 October 2025 — A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck near the city of Lae in Papua New Guinea’s Morobe Province on Tuesday evening, shaking communities across the region but causing no immediate reports of major damage or casualties.
Epicenter and Depth
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 11:05 UTC (21:05 local time), with its epicenter located about 22 kilometers west of Lae. The tremor struck at an intermediate depth of around 99–107 kilometers, reducing the likelihood of widespread surface destruction.
Tsunami Risk
Authorities confirmed there is no tsunami threat from the event. While earthquakes of this magnitude can sometimes trigger sea-level disturbances, the depth of this quake made such an outcome unlikely.
Regional Impact
Residents in Lae and surrounding towns reported strong shaking, with tremors felt as far as Bulolo and Wau. Papua New Guinea lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, one of the world’s most seismically active regions, where powerful earthquakes are frequent due to tectonic plate movements.
Government Response
The National Disaster Centre and local authorities are monitoring the situation, urging residents to remain cautious in case of aftershocks. Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph reassured the public that while the quake was powerful, there is no immediate danger to coastal communities.
Outlook
Seismologists note that while deep quakes like this one are less likely to cause catastrophic damage, they serve as a reminder of Papua New Guinea’s high vulnerability to seismic hazards. Preparedness and resilient infrastructure remain critical for communities living along the fault lines of the Pacific.
Sources: USGS; Earthquake List; The Watchers; Post-Courier (PNG).
