NAMATANAI DISTRICT, New Ireland Province — A 5.5 magnitude quake hit near Kokopo on Thursday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

At 06:19 UTC (16:19 local time), a tremor jolted the region at a depth of 33 km, with its epicenter about 73 km east of Kokopo. Seismologists first reported it as a 5.4 event, but later upgraded it to 5.5.

Did you feel it?

Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.

Impact and estimated losses

The USGS categorized this as a Green Alert, which means there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and unreinforced brick masonry construction.

Area struck by 6.2 quake in 1983
The area has weathered major earthquakes before. A magnitude 6.2 quake struck 86.4 miles south-southwest of Kokopo in Pomio District on Dec. 21, 1983, at a depth of 20.5 miles.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey