Magnitude 6.6 Quake Strikes Off Papua New Guinea

Undersea Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Warning

Tsunami Warning Lifted After No Damaging Waves Observed

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea on Sunday, triggering a tsunami warning that was later lifted after no damaging waves were observed.

The quake hit at a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles) about 130 kilometers (81 miles) east-southeast of Kokopo, a town on the island of New Britain, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initially issued a tsunami warning for parts of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Nauru.

However, the warning was lifted a few hours later after no significant waves were detected.

Residents in coastal areas were advised to evacuate to higher ground as a precaution, but no major damage or injuries were reported.

The quake was the second strong earthquake to hit Papua New Guinea in less than a week.

On Tuesday, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the remote highlands region of the country, killing at least 7 people and causing widespread damage.

Papua New Guinea is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped region around the rim of the Pacific Ocean that is home to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Ring of Fire is the most seismically active region in the world, accounting for about 90% of the world's earthquakes.