M4.2 Earthquake 130 km NNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea — May 3, 2026
2026-05-03 22:47:31 UTC (2026-05-03) · approx. 8:47 AM UTC+10 local
On May 3, 2026 at 22:47 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 130 km NNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 199.4 km and coordinates -5.5486°, 147.2442°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
147.2442°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 130 km NNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea on May 3, 2026 at 22:47 UTC had a depth of 199.4 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 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
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 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000sx6c). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 3, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 130 km NNW of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea — May 3, 2026. Retrieved May 18, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000sx6c/