M4.9 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.9 Earthquake near Nipa District, Southern Highlands (Papua New Guinea)

UTC time: 2026-08-02 05:38:58 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.9 earthquake was recorded near Nipa District, Southern Highlands (Papua New Guinea) on August 2, 2026 at 05:38 UTC. With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The data is provided by USGS and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Details

Magnitude

M4.9

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-08-02 05:38:58 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Papua New Guinea

State

Southern Highlands

City

Nipa District

County

Nipa District

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-6.47130, 143.58780

Temperature

22.0°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (80.8 km)

Regional average: 80.8 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

Tectonic context

Located on the Woodlark Plate.

Near the boundary Woodlark ↔ Australia · about 10 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Manam

Distance: 311 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'807 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Papua New Guinea
Karkar

Distance: 333 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'839 m ·Last eruption: 1979 ·Papua New Guinea
Kadovar

Distance: 337 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 365 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Papua New Guinea
Bam

Distance: 346 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 685 m ·Last eruption: 1960 ·Papua New Guinea
Blup Blup

Distance: 348 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 402 m ·Papua New Guinea
Hankow Reef

Distance: 389 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -5 m ·Papua New Guinea

Historic earthquake map · Papua New Guinea

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Country statistics · Papua New Guinea

Country overview

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