Strong M6.4 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea on September 20, 2026

An earthquake of magnitude M6.4 struck at 09:17 UTC on September 20, 2026, approximately 49 km (30 miles) north-northeast of Kainantu, Papua New Guinea. The earthquake originated at a depth of 104.3 km (64.8 miles), as reported by USGS.

The coordinates of the event, 146.1°E and 5.9°S, place it inland within the Eastern Highlands province of Papua New Guinea, a region characterized by its mountainous terrain and remote villages. Kainantu is one of the nearest significant settlements to the epicenter.

The area is primarily rural, with road networks connecting local communities. Critical infrastructure, such as regional highways, airstrips, and utilities serving the highlands, may be present in the affected region, but major urban concentrations are limited.

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 maximum estimated intensity was V, with 7 felt reports submitted. The significance index is 634 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Papua New Guinea lies along the complex boundary between the Australian and Pacific plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Earthquakes of significant magnitude occur frequently due to ongoing tectonic processes in the region.

This information was last updated at 09:45 UTC on September 20, 2026.