MENYAMYA DISTRICT, Morobe Province — A 5.4 magnitude quake occurred near Bulolo on Wednesday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor struck the area at 20:04 UTC (06:04 local time). It occurred at a depth of 65 km with the epicenter about 53 km west of Bulolo.

Did you feel it?

If you felt the earthquake, you can share your observations using 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 and liquefaction 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 6.3 quake in 1993
The area has experienced significant seismic activity in the past. On Oct. 16, 1993, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck northeast of Kainantu in Rai Coast District, at a depth of 16.8 miles.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey