April 5, 2025: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale struck Papua New Guinea early Saturday morning, prompting initial fears of a tsunami which were later dismissed by authorities.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) beneath the earth’s surface. The epicenter was located offshore, approximately 194 kilometers (120 miles) east of Kimbe, a town on the island of New Britain.

In the immediate aftermath, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an alert warning of potential tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 3 meters along parts of Papua New Guinea's coastline. A separate advisory for smaller waves—around 0.3 meters—for the Solomon Islands was also issued. However, both warnings were cancelled a short time later, with authorities confirming that the threat had passed.

There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. New Britain, home to more than half a million residents, experienced tremors but appears to have escaped serious harm.

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology confirmed there was no tsunami threat to the Australian coastline, and New Zealand authorities did not issue any related alerts.

Papua New Guinea is located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity where tectonic plates frequently shift, making earthquakes a common occurrence in the region.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation, but for now, the worst appears to have been averted.