M 7.9 - 140 km E of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea

  • 2016-12-17 10:51:10 (UTC)
  • 4.505°S 153.522°E
  • 94.5 km depth

PAGER

Contributed by US last updated 2017-01-28 12:04:46 (UTC)
  • The data below are the most preferred data available
  • The data below have NOT been reviewed by a scientist.
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Estimated Fatalities

Estimated Fatalities Histogram
Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional level response.

Estimated Economic Losses

Estimated Economic Losses Histogram
Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Papua New Guinea.

Estimated Population Exposure to Earthquake Shaking

Population Exposure Map
Population per ~1 sq. km. from LandScan
Population Exposure
MMIShakingPopulation
I Not Felt 0 k*
II-III Weak 0 k*
IV Light 43 k*
V Moderate 210 k
VI Strong 117 k
VII Very Strong 271 k
VIII Severe 21 k
IX Violent 0 k
X Extreme 0 k

*Estimated exposure only includes population within map area (k = x1,000)
Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale

Structure Information Summary

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick masonry and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction.

Secondary Effects

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Selected Cities Exposed
MMICityPopulation
VII Kokopo 26 k
VII Namatanai 1 k
VI Rabaul 8 k
V Kavieng 14 k
V Kieta 4 k
V Arawa 40 k
V Panguna 3 k

From GeoNames Database of Cities with 1,000 or more residents (k = x1,000)