NAMATANAI DISTRICT, New Ireland Province — A 5.9 magnitude quake was registered close to Kokopo Thursday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

It was reported that a tremor shook the region at 16:33 UTC (02:33 local time). The epicenter was situated roughly 74 km east of Kokopo, at a depth of 19 km. Seismologists first reported it as a 6.0 event, but later downgraded it to 5.9.

Did you feel it?

If you felt the earthquake, you can report it through the USGS Felt Report form. So far, the agency has collected 3 online responses from individuals reporting that they felt the quake.

Impact and estimated losses

Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. 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.

Historical information
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake 166 km southwest of this event struck UK on December 21, 1983 (UTC), with estimated population exposures of 5,000 at intensity VI and 5,000 at intensity VII, resulting in a reported 10 fatalities.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey