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A light magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck 143 km SE of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 12:46:16 PM UTC. This shallow crustal event (41.2 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 120 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(143 km SE of)4.6MB
Light Seismic Class
41.2km
Crustal Layer
5.114° S, 153.311° E
GPS Coordinates
120 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.6 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
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Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Papua New Guinea's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Complex convergence between the Australian Plate and Pacific Plate, involving active microplates in the Bismarck and Solomon Seas. Major regional fault structures include New Britain Trench, Ramu-Markham Fault, Finisterre Range Thrust.
Originating at a depth of 41.2 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.6. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Papua New Guinea are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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