Strong M6.6 earthquake strikes near Lae, Papua New Guinea on October 7, 2025

A magnitude M6.6 earthquake was recorded at 11:05 UTC on October 7, 2025, about 26 km (16 miles) west-southwest of Lae, Papua New Guinea. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 99.4 km (61.8 miles), based on information provided by the USGS.

The epicenter was pinpointed at coordinates 146.8°E, 6.8°S, placing it in the vicinity of the Morobe Province’s largest city, Lae. This region sits in a highly tectonically active area of Papua New Guinea.

Given its proximity to major population centers, essential regional infrastructure such as the Nadzab Airport, the Lae port, and significant road and energy facilities may be present in the broader area, though no site-specific impacts can be confirmed from the data currently available.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The earthquake generated 19 felt reports, with a maximum estimated intensity of VI. The significance index is 683 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Papua New Guinea is situated on the boundary between the Australian and Pacific Plates, known for frequent seismic activity due to complex tectonic interactions and active fault lines throughout the region.

This information was last updated at 11:32 UTC on October 7, 2025.