A major 6.0-magnitude earthquake has struck Papua New Guinea (PNG), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has stated.
RELATED:
Hawaii: 5.4-Mag, 6.9-Mag Quakes Trigger Major Volcano Eruption
The USGS stated: “Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.”
The quake hit at a depth of 32 miles, about 50 miles south of town Rabaul, rocking PNG – which sits on the infamous Ring of Fire – early on Wednesday.
Some 450 volcanoes and 75% of the world’s active fiery mountains are on the Ring of Fire – which stretches about 40,000 kilometers long.
The epicenter of the quake, which was recorded 177 kilometers south-southwest of Kokopo, shook the East New Britain and West New Britain provinces in northern PNG.
There have been no reports of damage or injuries.
According to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System, there is no imminent tsunami threat.
About 18 people were killed after a massive 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the region in January.