Multiple Earthquakes Strike Papua New Guinea Region

A series of significant earthquakes have struck the region surrounding Papua New Guinea and nearby areas. A 7.5-magnitude quake hit off the coast of Papua New Guinea, 612 km northwest of Port Moresby, with reports indicating minimal damage and no casualties, coinciding with Pope Francis's upcoming visit to the region. In addition, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake occurred near Wewak, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 10 km, likely felt by locals but not causing major harm. Meanwhile, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Indonesia's Central Papua province, with its epicenter located 49 km southeast of Intan Jaya regency at a depth of 170 km. An earlier 5-magnitude earthquake was also recorded off the coast of New Zealand, 316 km northeast of Hicks Bay, with no reports of damage or casualties. The Pacific region remains active due to its position along the tectonically volatile Pacific Ring of Fire.