6.9 magnitude earthquake strikes off Papua New Guinea coast

(Web Desk): A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 has hit off the coast of Papua New Guinea, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake struck early on Saturday morning at around 6:04 am local time, about 175 kilometers southeast of Kimbe, in the West New Britain Province.

The quake occurred at a depth of 49 kilometers beneath the earth’s surface. Experts believe the tremors were felt widely in nearby areas, and there could be light to moderate damage. Kimbe, a town with nearly 19,000 people, likely experienced noticeable shaking.

The US Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation.

Different scientific organizations have reported slightly varying magnitudes of the earthquake. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC recorded it as a magnitude 7.1, while France’s seismic network reported it at 6.6. German and American institutions also provided similar readings. These differences are common in the early stages after a quake, as seismologists continue to analyze the data.

At the moment, there are no reports of injuries or major damage, but updates are expected as more information comes in. Authorities are advising people in coastal areas to stay alert and follow official instructions.