M5.2 Earthquake 142 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea — December 21, 2025
2025-12-21 05:25:25 UTC (2025-12-21) · approx. 3:25 PM UTC+10 local
On December 21, 2025 at 05:25 UTC, a magnitude 5.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 142 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 33.4 km and coordinates -5.5625°, 151.8606°. This earthquake was detected by 42 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 416, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 951 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.3 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
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
Earthquake Details
151.8606°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Kokopo, Papua New Guinea?
The magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck 142 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea on December 21, 2025 at 05:25 UTC had a depth of 33.4 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -5.5625°, 151.8606°, which is 142 km SSW of Kokopo, 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 5.2 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
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 5.2 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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000rwai). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, December 21, 2025). M5.2 Earthquake 142 km SSW of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea — December 21, 2025. Retrieved May 23, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rwai/