5.0 Earthquake Hits Near Shortland

A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in the Solomon Sea, near Shortland Island at around 07:13 this morning.

The undersea earthquake was located at Latitude 7.2 Degrees South, Longitude 156.0 Degrees East. This is approximately near 19 kilometres southeast of Maleai, Shortland Islands, Western Province.

The tremor occurred at a depth of about 117 km (73 miles), and light shaking may have been felt throughout the northwestern Solomon Islands and Bougainville Province, Papua New Guinea.

The epicenter was about 108 km (67 miles) south-southeast of Panguna, Papua New Guinea. 

There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties because of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely.

It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

With METS Service