5.0

M5.0 Earthquake 138 km SE of Kandrian, Papua New GuineaApril 16, 2026

2026-04-16 05:01:30 UTC (3 days ago)

On April 16, 2026 at 05:01 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 138 km SE of Kandrian, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -7.0963°, 150.4314°. This earthquake was detected by 32 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.

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

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -7.10°, 150.43°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.0 mb
Depth
10.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
-7.0963°N
150.4314°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sqh2
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
385
Stations Used
32
Azimuthal Gap
156.0°
Min Station Distance
3.362°
RMS Residual
0.67 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-16 05:36:00 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Kandrian, Papua New Guinea?

The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 138 km SE of Kandrian, Papua New Guinea on April 16, 2026 at 05:01 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -7.0963°, 150.4314°, which is 138 km SE of Kandrian, 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 5.0 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 5.0 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.