An earthquake of 7.5 M at a depth of 10 km occurred off eastern Papua New Guinea on 14 May at 12.58 UTC. The epicentre was 4.5 km west of southern New Ireland Island and 43 km north-east of Kokopo town (New Britain Island). Up to 31,000 people were exposed to very strong shaking and up to 229,000 to strong shaking.
Two aftershocks of 5 M, occurred in the same area at a depth of 10 km and 9 km.
A tsunami threat was issued by the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center for Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands but was later lifted.
As of 15 May at 8.00 UTC, there are no reported casualties but power outages have been experienced in districts close to the epicentre.
Over the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain is forecast over New Ireland and New Britain Islands.