Lae, Papua New Guinea – October 7, 2025: A strong earthquake measuring 6.6 in magnitude struck near the industrial city of Lae on Tuesday, sending tremors across Papua New Guinea’s Morobe province and prompting widespread concern among residents and local authorities. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (about 6 miles), with its epicentre located roughly 26 kilometres (16 miles) from Lae, the country’s second-largest city.
Despite the earthquake’s strength, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported that no tsunami alert had been issued. The shallow depth of the quake, however, raised fears of potential damage to buildings and infrastructure in the densely populated city and surrounding communities.
According to city police official Mildred Ongige, the tremor was powerful enough to be felt throughout Lae and neighbouring districts. Speaking by phone shortly after the incident, she said, “It was a very huge earthquake. It was just a few minutes ago, so we have no further details of the damage, but we are concerned.”
Initial assessments from the ground indicate there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage, although emergency response teams were placed on high alert as authorities continued to evaluate the situation.
The German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) initially measured the quake at 6.8 magnitude before revising it to 6.6, aligning with the USGS estimate. Local seismologists have also confirmed the tremor’s proximity to known fault lines within the region, part of the broader Pacific Ring of Fire, where intense tectonic activity frequently triggers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
A Nation on the Ring of Fire
Papua New Guinea, located north of Australia, sits atop one of the most seismically active regions in the world — the Pacific Ring of Fire. This vast geological belt is responsible for nearly 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes and a majority of its volcanic eruptions. The movement of the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates beneath the region causes frequent quakes, often leading to landslides, infrastructure collapse, and, in coastal areas, tsunamis.
Lae, an industrial hub with a population exceeding 76,000 residents, is a vital economic centre for Papua New Guinea. The city hosts one of the nation’s busiest ports, serving as a critical link between the highlands and coastal trade routes. Any significant disruption in Lae can therefore have ripple effects on the country’s economy and supply chains.
Residents described the Tuesday quake as one of the strongest to hit the area in recent months. “We felt everything shaking – the windows rattled, and some of us ran outside in fear,” said a shop owner in downtown Lae. “It lasted only a short while, but it was strong enough to make everyone panic.”
Local power outages were reported briefly in some neighbourhoods, though services were quickly restored. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and prepare for potential aftershocks, which are common following major seismic events.
Government and Emergency Response
In the aftermath of the quake, the National Disaster Centre (NDC) in Port Moresby said it had activated its emergency coordination unit to work with Morobe provincial authorities. “We are monitoring reports from Lae and surrounding areas. At this point, there are no confirmed fatalities or severe damage, but our teams are verifying the situation,” an NDC spokesperson said.
Papua New Guinea’s Geophysical Observatory has deployed field officers to assess potential geological impacts, including landslides or ground fissures in rural parts of Morobe province. The agency has also urged residents to stay away from unstable structures and coastal zones until further notice.
International monitoring agencies, including the USGS and GFZ, continue to track seismic activity in the region to determine whether the quake might trigger additional movements along nearby fault lines.
Historical Context and Recent Disasters
Tuesday’s earthquake follows a series of moderate-to-strong tremors that have affected Papua New Guinea in recent years. In March 2024, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck East Sepik Province, killing three people and destroying over 1,000 homes. That event highlighted the country’s persistent vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for stronger disaster preparedness systems.
Experts have long warned that much of Papua New Guinea’s housing and infrastructure remains ill-equipped to withstand powerful earthquakes. Many rural communities, built with light materials and situated on unstable terrain, are particularly at risk of landslides and collapses during seismic events.
Dr. Jonas Talia, a geologist based in Port Moresby, told Africa Live News that Tuesday’s quake should serve as a wake-up call. “While the depth and location reduced the immediate impact on Lae, it’s a reminder that Papua New Guinea remains in one of the most active earthquake zones in the world,” he said. “Strengthening building standards and improving early warning systems are critical to saving lives.”
No Tsunami Warning, but Vigilance Urged
Although no tsunami warning was issued, experts have advised caution for coastal communities. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that the characteristics of this earthquake did not indicate a tsunami threat, given its inland epicentre and relatively shallow depth. Nonetheless, local officials have urged fishermen and coastal residents to stay informed in case of changing conditions.
Emergency teams in Lae have begun inspecting public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and bridges, to ensure structural safety. Several schools suspended classes temporarily as a precaution. “Our priority is the safety of students and staff,” said a spokesperson for the Morobe Provincial Education Department.
Moving Forward
While the initial outcome appears less devastating than past earthquakes, the event underscores ongoing concerns about disaster readiness and urban safety in Papua New Guinea’s growing cities. With Lae serving as a key industrial and logistical hub, authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive review of emergency infrastructure and response capacity in the coming days.
As aftershocks continue to rattle parts of the province, many residents remain on edge but grateful that the disaster did not lead to widespread loss of life or property. For now, the people of Lae are focused on recovery and resilience, hoping that the tremor will serve as a powerful reminder of the need for preparedness in a nation perched on one of the world’s most volatile fault lines.
— Africa Live News
