A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 struck near Lae City in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, shaking buildings and alarming residents. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the tremor and said the epicenter was close to Lae, the country’s second-largest city.
The Earthquake Details
According to the USGS, the earthquake occurred about 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Lae in Morobe Province at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. This shallow depth means the tremor was strongly felt on the surface.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued after the quake.
Local police officer Mildred Ongige told reporters that it was a “very huge” earthquake and that people across the city felt strong shaking. “We are still checking for any damage or injuries,” she said.
Quick Facts About the Earthquake
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Lae City, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea |
| Magnitude | 6.6 (as per USGS) |
| Depth | 10 kilometers (6 miles) |
| Epicenter Distance | 26 kilometers from Lae |
| Tsunami Warning | No |
| Time | Tuesday, October 8, 2025 |
| Initial Estimate | 6.8 magnitude (revised by GFZ to 6.6) |
Lae City and Its Importance
Lae City, home to over 76,000 people, is known as Papua New Guinea’s main industrial and port city. It serves as a key link between the country’s coastal trade and inland communities. Because of its position near the Pacific Ocean, Lae is also at higher risk from earthquakes and tsunamis.
The region lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a massive area where several tectonic plates meet. This zone is responsible for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions across countries like Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines — and also Papua New Guinea.
Early Reports and Safety Measures
So far, there are no reports of deaths or major damage, but local authorities are monitoring for aftershocks or structural damage. Residents in Lae said they felt their homes shake for several seconds, with some running outside in fear.
Electricity and communication lines remained stable in most areas, according to initial updates.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) initially reported the earthquake as magnitude 6.8, but later revised it to 6.6 after analyzing more data.
A Country Used to Earthquakes
Papua New Guinea is no stranger to strong earthquakes. In March 2024, a 6.7-magnitude quake hit the East Sepik Province, killing three people and damaging over 1,000 homes. That disaster reminded the country how vulnerable its communities are to natural hazards.
The government continues to work with international partners to improve earthquake preparedness, set up early warning systems, and train local response teams to reduce future risks.
What Residents Should Know
Authorities are advising people in Lae and nearby provinces to stay calm but alert. Residents are told to:
- Move to open spaces during strong tremors.
- Avoid standing near windows, trees, or power lines.
- Keep an emergency kit with food, water, and a flashlight.
- Wait for official updates before returning indoors after strong aftershocks.
Schools, offices, and hospitals in the city have been asked to check their buildings for cracks and report any damage immediately.
The 6.6-magnitude earthquake near Lae, Papua New Guinea, is another reminder of how fragile life can be in regions along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Although there have been no major damages or casualties so far, continued monitoring and preparedness remain vital.
Earthquakes may be natural, but being ready and alert can help save lives and reduce loss during future tremors.
