M3.2 Depth: 10.0 km

M3.2 Earthquake near Aitape District, Sandaun (Papua New Guinea)

UTC time: 2026-05-18 22:57:53 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.2 earthquake was recorded near Aitape District, Sandaun (Papua New Guinea) on May 18, 2026 at 22:57 UTC. With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Details

Magnitude

M3.2

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-18 22:57:53 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Papua New Guinea

State

Sandaun

City

Aitape District

County

Aitape District

Source

emsc

Coordinates

-2.83000, 142.06000

Temperature

27.2°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (83.2 km)

Regional average: 83.2 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Blup Blup

Distance: 292 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 402 m ·Papua New Guinea
Kadovar

Distance: 294 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 365 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Papua New Guinea
Bam

Distance: 318 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 685 m ·Last eruption: 1960 ·Papua New Guinea
Manam

Distance: 358 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'807 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Papua New Guinea
Karkar

Distance: 479 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'839 m ·Last eruption: 1979 ·Papua New Guinea

Historic earthquake map · Papua New Guinea

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Papua New Guinea

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

604

Country (24h)