M4.6 Earthquake Panguna, Papua New Guinea

On December 18, 2025 at 22:35 UTC, a magnitude 4.6 deep-focus earthquake struck 102 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 416.6 km and coordinates -6.1334°, 154.5809°. This earthquake was detected by 57 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 326, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 120 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 899 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 5.2 mainshock that occurred 17 days ago 134 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Papua New Guinea, a region characterized by the collision and subduction of the Pacific, Australian, and Solomon Sea plates. View all earthquakes in Papua New Guinea.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Panguna, Papua New Guinea?

The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck 102 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea on December 18, 2025 at 22:35 UTC had a depth of 416.6 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -6.1334°, 154.5809°, which is 102 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea. View all earthquakes in Papua New Guinea.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.6 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.2 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.6 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred earlier 134 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Papua New Guinea had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Papua New Guinea was the M8.0 New Britain earthquake of July 18, 1971. Today's magnitude 4.6 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

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.

M4.6 Earthquake 102 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea — December 18, 2025

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