Magnitude 6.6 Earthquake Near Lae, Papua New Guinea

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck near Lae, the second-largest city in Papua New Guinea, on October 7, 2025. The epicenter was located approximately 26 km southwest of Lae in Morobe Province at a depth of about 99 km.

The quake caused strong tremors in Lae and surrounding areas, with buildings swaying and residents briefly evacuating. Despite the intensity, no major damage or casualties have been reported.

Authorities are inspecting buildings and advising residents to avoid damaged structures. Aftershocks, including a prior 5.7 magnitude quake nearby, could affect recovery efforts.

Papua New Guinea, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic activity, highlighting the need for robust early-warning systems and community preparedness.