Strong M6.5 earthquake strikes Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea on December 22, 2025

A strong M6.5 earthquake was reported at 10:31 UTC on December 22, 2025, located approximately 42 km (26 miles) north-northeast of Goroka, Papua New Guinea. The event originated at a depth of 110.2 km (68.5 miles).

Based on the coordinates 145.5°E, 5.7°S, the earthquake affected the Eastern Highlands Province region, an inland mountainous area of central Papua New Guinea. Goroka is the largest town in the immediate area, and the surrounding highlands are characterized by moderate population density spread across valleys and plateaus.

Critical infrastructure in this region likely includes highways connecting townships, regional airports such as Goroka Airport, and essential energy and communication facilities that support provincial communities.

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

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. Three felt reports were submitted. The maximum estimated intensity reached VI on the Modified Mercalli scale. The significance index is 651 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Papua New Guinea sits along the complex boundary between the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, making it one of the world’s most seismically active regions. The area regularly experiences large and intermediate-depth earthquakes generated by tectonic plate interactions.

This information was last updated at 10:54 UTC on December 22, 2025.