M4.3 Earthquake 148 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea — May 9, 2026
2026-05-09 21:33:16 UTC (8 hours ago) · approx. 7:33 AM UTC+10 local
On May 9, 2026 at 21:33 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 intermediate depth earthquake struck 148 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 121.2 km and coordinates -5.6297°, 154.3353°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 43 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 558 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 5.1 mainshock that occurred 3 days ago 151 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.
Earthquake Details
154.3353°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake near Panguna, Papua New Guinea?
The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck 148 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea on May 9, 2026 at 21:33 UTC had a depth of 121.2 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.3 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 151 km WNW of Panguna, 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.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.3 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000swi3). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 9, 2026). M4.3 Earthquake 148 km WNW of Panguna, Papua New Guinea — May 9, 2026. Retrieved May 10, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000swi3/