M3.8 Earthquake 8 km WNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea — October 9, 2025
2025-10-09 22:06:45 UTC (2025-10-09) · approx. 8:06 AM UTC+10 local
On October 9, 2025 at 22:06 UTC, a magnitude 3.8 shallow crustal earthquake struck 8 km WNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 67.2 km and coordinates -6.5222°, 147.7812°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 3.8 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 7.6 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 252 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred 9 days ago 32 km WNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
147.7812°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 3.8 earthquake near Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea?
The magnitude 3.8 earthquake that struck 8 km WNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea on October 9, 2025 at 22:06 UTC had a depth of 67.2 km. For context, this was a minor earthquake typically detected only by instruments.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 3.8 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 3.8 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 32 km WNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 3.8 earthquakes are typically only recorded by instruments.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000rke2). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, October 9, 2025). M3.8 Earthquake 8 km WNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea — October 9, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rke2/