# M4.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Kokopo, Papua New Guinea

Kokopo, Papua New Guinea —

*What happened:*

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck south of Kokopo on Tuesday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reports. The quake hit at 9:20 AM Central Time, centered about 111 kilometers (roughly 69 miles) south of the city in the waters off New Britain island. It sat 57 kilometers — about 35 miles — below the surface, deep enough to soften the shaking people feel on land.

*Impacts:*

No shaking reports, injuries, or damage have been published by the USGS for this event, and the agency shows no tsunami threat from this quake.

*What to do:*

- If shaking starts: drop, cover, and hold on — get under a sturdy table and stay there until the shaking stops.

- Stay clear of windows, heavy furniture, and anything that could fall.

- After the shaking, check for hazards like broken glass, gas smells, or damaged wiring before going back inside.

- Be ready for aftershocks, which can follow in the minutes and hours after a quake.

*Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 20, 2026.*