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M4.9 Depth: 66.0 km

M4.9 Earthquake near Buang-Kowoneng, Morobe (Papua New Guinea)

UTC time: 2026-01-29 07:54:49 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 29, 2026 at 07:54 UTC, a magnitude M4.9 earthquake occurred near Buang-Kowoneng, Morobe (Papua New Guinea). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 66 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by USGS. Papua New Guinea: 2 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M5.0.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 66 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 66 km
Shallow
66 km
66 km — shallower than the regional average (83.7 km)
Regional average: 83.7 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

  • Umboi
    Distance: 112 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 1'335 m ·Papua New Guinea
  • Ritter Island
    Distance: 125 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 75 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Papua New Guinea
  • Sakar
    Distance: 136 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 947 m ·Papua New Guinea
  • Langila
    Distance: 138 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 1'330 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Papua New Guinea
  • Long Island
    Distance: 162 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 1'263 m ·Last eruption: 1993 ·Papua New Guinea
  • Hankow Reef
    Distance: 225 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -5 m ·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.

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