A magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred near New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea on the 5th (local time), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
According to USGS, the earthquake struck offshore 174 km east of Kimbe on New Britain Island at around 10 a.m. local time. The depth was relatively shallow at 10 km. USGS immediately revised the magnitude from 7.2 to 6.9 following the earthquake.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tsunami center issued a tsunami warning for the area but has since lifted it. There have been no reports of damage to authorities so far. The population of New Britain Island is about 500,000.
Papua New Guinea is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for its active volcanic and seismic activities, and earthquakes occur frequently.