Note: Map shows the area with a shake intensity of 4 or greater, which U.S.G.S. defines as “light,” though the earthquake may be felt outside the areas shown. The New York Times
A strong, 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Solomon Sea on Saturday, according to the United States Geological Survey. A “tsunami threat” was issued for some parts of the coast of Papua New Guinea.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System said waves of 3 to 10 feet above normal tidal levels were possible near the quake’s epicenter. The system did not issue alerts for places elsewhere in the Pacific Ocean.
The temblor happened at 6:04 a.m. Papua New Guinea time about 121 miles southeast of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea, data from the U.S.G.S. shows.
As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake’s reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.
Aftershocks in the region
An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.
When quakes and aftershocks occurred
Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Papua New Guinea time. Shake data is as of Saturday, April 5 at 6:20 a.m. Papua New Guinea time. Aftershocks data is as of Saturday, April 5 at 8:34 a.m. Papua New Guinea time.
