Papua New Guinea Earthquake: 6.6 Quake Shakes Lae
A powerful earthquake struck Papua New Guinea’s second-largest city Lae on Tuesday night at 9:05 pm local time. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the quake at magnitude 6.6. The epicentre was about 26 kilometres from the city at a depth of 99 kilometres, making it a moderately deep quake. Initially, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) reported the tremor at 6.7, later revising it to 6.6.
The tremors were strong enough to be felt in the capital Port Moresby. Authorities were quick to confirm that there was no tsunami threat, providing relief to residents.
Emotional Ceremony Turns into Panic Scene
The quake struck at a highly sensitive moment. Arena Stadium in Lae was packed with thousands of people attending a ceremony honouring late Governor Luther Wenge before his final journey. Military personnel were preparing to carry the casket when the ground suddenly began to shake, turning the atmosphere from emotional to terrifying.
Eyewitnesses said people were confused during the first few seconds, unsure of what was happening. As the tremors grew stronger, chaos erupted in the crowd. People screamed and rushed towards the exits. Police officer Mildred Ongige described it as “a very big jolt” and added, “We immediately tried to ensure people’s safety.”
No Major Damage Reported
According to initial official reports, there have been no serious damages or casualties. The relatively greater depth of 99 kilometres helped limit the impact, as the seismic energy dissipated before reaching the surface.
Local authorities have placed relief teams on alert and launched inspection drives across the city and nearby areas. Essential services such as electricity, water, and communications are being checked, with no major disruptions reported so far.
Tremors Felt in the Capital
The quake was also felt in Port Moresby, the capital located hundreds of kilometres away. Residents shared their experiences on social media, with many saying they rushed out of buildings, while others described the tremors as light but long-lasting.
The Deputy Prime Minister addressed the nation late on Tuesday, urging people to remain calm and vigilant. He appealed to citizens not to believe in rumours or superstitions and to follow official instructions.
Living on the Ring of Fire
Papua New Guinea lies in the Pacific’s infamous “Ring of Fire”, one of the world’s most active seismic and volcanic zones. Frequent tectonic movements make earthquakes a common occurrence in the country.
Officials regularly advise residents to remain prepared for natural disasters, as shallow quakes are usually more destructive compared to deeper ones.
Memories of Last Year’s Quake
This incident revived painful memories for locals. In March last year, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the East Sepik province, killing three people and destroying over a thousand homes. That tremor was shallow, leading to far greater damage.
Although the latest quake was nearly as strong in magnitude, its depth helped reduce destruction. Still, residents remain anxious, with many families preparing to spend the night outdoors in open spaces.
Psychological and Social Impact
Local media reports suggest the incident has sparked both fear and superstition. Some believe the quake during Governor Wenge’s memorial carried a “symbolic message.” Scientists, however, dismissed such claims, reaffirming it as a purely geological event.
Psychologists warn that repeated earthquakes can affect mental health, causing stress and anxiety due to constant alertness, evacuation experiences, and the unpredictability of tremors.
Emergency Response Teams Deployed
Authorities have activated emergency response units immediately after the quake. Police, firefighters, and medical staff have been deployed in crowded areas and near old buildings.
Although no major damage has been confirmed, the government has initiated structural inspections to rule out risks. Checks are underway on ageing buildings, bridges, and public infrastructure for cracks.
Quake Facts at a Glance
- Location: Lae, Papua New Guinea
- Time: Tuesday, 9:05 pm local time
- Magnitude: 6.6 (USGS), revised 6.6 (GFZ)
- Epicentre Distance: 26 km from Lae
- Depth: 99 km
- Impact: Felt as far as Port Moresby
- Damage/Casualties: None reported
- Tsunami Threat: None
Next Steps by Authorities
Officials said they would closely monitor the likelihood of aftershocks in the coming hours and days. Experts warned that secondary tremors are common after a strong quake, advising residents to remain cautious.
The government urged citizens to trust official communication channels and follow earthquake safety measures, including:
- Moving carefully when exiting buildings
- Staying away from old or unsafe structures
- Waiting in open or safe areas
- Avoiding lifts during aftershocks
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