A 5.3 magnitude quake jolted near Lorengau around midday Friday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor hit at 01:13 UTC (11:13 local time), with its epicenter approximately 124 km south-southeast of Lorengau and a depth of 10 km. Seismologists first reported it as a 5.4 event, but later downgraded it to 5.3.

Did you feel it?

If you noticed 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.

Tremors past week

Seven tremors with a magnitude 2.5 or above were detected in the area last week. The strongest, a 5.6 magnitude quake, hit the same region on May 8.

Area struck by 6.3 quake in 1993
Strong earthquakes have struck the area before. A magnitude 6.3 tremor struck 35.4 miles northeast of Kainantu in Rai Coast District on Oct. 16, 1993, at a depth of 16.8 miles.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey