A 6.6 magnitude earthquake has hit Papua new Guinea. This is the second large earthquake to hit around the world in as many days.
The U.S. Geological Survey, (USGS) is reporting that the 6.6 magnitude earthquake was centered 18 km to the Southeast of Aitape, Papua New Guinea. Aitape is a small town on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea with a population of around 8,000.
The National Weather Service’s Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has not issued a warning for a Pacific-wide tsunami and doesn’t expect a tsunami to threaten Hawaii.
This earthquake comes just one day after a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Iran and Pakistan. Though that quake was centered in a mostly rural area, buildings and houses in the area were still destroyed. Reports have stated as many as 40 Pakistanis may have died.
The earthquake in Iran caused little damage relative to its 7.8 Richter scale reading due to its depth, which was recorded by the USGS as being 82 km deep. The Papua New Guinea quake was much more shallow, being measured at 13 km deep.
Australia’s foreign office has stated to AFP that there have been no reports of serious damage or injury.