M 5.4 Moderate Earthquake Strikes Near Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred 140 km south-southwest of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 35 km. No tsunami advisory was issued.
What Happened
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 (mww) was recorded on February 27, 2026, at 19:43 UTC. The seismic event was centered approximately 140 km south-southwest of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 5.5416°S and 151.8543°E. The event originated at a depth of 35 km. This is classified as an intermediate-depth earthquake, as it occurred within the 20 to 70 km range below the surface.
Impact Assessment
There are currently no felt reports associated with this event in the source data. No tsunami advisory, watch, or warning has been issued following the tremor (tsunami status: 0). The USGS has not assigned a specific alert level color to this event, and the status is currently listed as reviewed.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes of this magnitude (M 5.0-5.9) are considered moderate and can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, though they typically result in little to no damage to earthquake-resistant structures. Residents in the surrounding area should be mindful of the potential for aftershocks. In the event of further seismic activity, safety officials recommend the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” protocol.
Source
Data provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice