RAI COAST DISTRICT, Madang Province — A 6.4 magnitude quake occurred close to Kainantu on Sunday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The tremor slammed at 09:17 UTC (19:17 local time), with its epicenter about 49 km north-northeast of Kainantu and a depth of 104 km.

Did you feel it?

If you noticed the earthquake, you can submit a report via the USGS Felt Report form. The agency has received 20 responses on its online form so far, from people indicating they experienced light to moderate shaking. According to the USGS DYFI report, residents in several cities — including Port Moresby, Madang and Goroka — reported feeling the quake.

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 last week

In the past week, the region has experienced two quakes greater than magnitude 2.5. The larger, a 5.0 magnitude event, was registered near Lae on Sep. 15. The other, with a magnitude of 4.6, occurred near Madang on Sep. 17.

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

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey