6.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Papua New Guinea, No Tsunami Threat
The Centre ruled out the possibility of tsunami following the earthquake. "Based on all available data there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake," it said.
New Delhi, Mar 24: A moderate level earthquake struck Papua New Guinea on Saturday morning. The tremors measured 6.8 magnitude on the richter scale, confirmed officials at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
The earthquake struck at 11:24 am (local time), news agency ANI said. The epicentre of the earthquake was reported to 115-km east of Kimbe. The tremors originated from a depth of 67.8-km.
No casualties or loss to public properties were reported by the time this report was published.
The Centre ruled out the possibility of tsunami following the earthquake. "Based on all available data there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake," it said.
The maximum impact of the quake was felt in New Britain region.
Papua New Guinea is part of the 'Ring of Fire' - the term given to the belt of islands between US and Japan which remain prone to earthquakes.
The last major earthquake was reported in Papua New Guinea earlier in the month, which led to the death of 55 individuals. The magnitude of tremor was then reported to 7.5 magnitude on the richter scale.
The recent spree of quakes in the Pacific Ring of Fire region make geologists warn about the possibility of a major earthquake striking either the eastern coast of US or the western shores of Japan.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 24, 2018 06:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).