A magnitude M5.1 earthquake was recorded near West New Britain (Papua New Guinea) on August 17, 2026 at 11:00 UTC. With a focal depth of about 35 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude can damage poorly built structures.
The data is provided by USGS and cross-checked across seismological networks.
Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.
Depth classes per USGS
Distances are straight-line distances from the epicenter. Population data: GeoNames.
GeoNames · CC BY 4.0
4 sources currently report magnitudes from M5.1 to M5.2.
Measurements can differ because agencies use different networks and calculation methods. Values may be revised.
Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.
The QuakeMap24 comparison dataset begins on 2024-03-23. Earlier earthquakes may not be included.
