Strong and shallow M6.4 earthquake hits Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea

On Jul 13, 2026

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 struck the Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea, at 08:53 UTC on July 13, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), there is no tsunami threat from this event.

Epicenter of M6.4 earthquake in Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea on July 13, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google

The epicenter was located 192 km (120 miles) SE of Lorengau (population 5 806), 263 km (163 miles) WSW of Kavieng (population 14 490), and 315 km (196 miles) NW of Kimbe (population 18 847), Papua New Guinea.

64 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking, and 22 000 weak shaking.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, NWS PTWC reported.

The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. No significant secondary hazards associated with shaking-related losses were indicated.

Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is considered unlikely. Little or no landsliding is expected, and little or no population is exposed to either hazard.

Epicenter of M6.4 earthquake in Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea on July 13, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google