M4.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Lorengau, Papua New Guinea

Lorengau, Papua New Guinea — A magnitude 4.5 earthquake shook the waters southwest of Lorengau on Sunday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

What happened: The quake struck at 8:24 PM Central Time on Sunday, November 1, centered about 135 kilometers southwest of Lorengau, in the island region of Papua New Guinea. It was recorded at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which counts as shallow — shallow quakes can feel stronger near the epicenter, though this one was centered offshore in the Bismarck Sea area.

Impacts: No felt reports had been filed with the survey at the time of this report, and no tsunami warning was issued in connection with this quake. No damage reports have come in, which fits with a moderate offshore tremor away from populated areas.

What to do: If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on until it stops. Stay away from windows, shelves, and anything that could fall. After the shaking stops, check for hazards like broken glass, gas leaks, and damaged wiring before moving around. Be ready for aftershocks, which can follow in the hours and days after a quake.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 1, 2026.