The quake hit at 9:46am local time on Sunday. According to initial reports, the epicenter of the quake was at a depth of some 50 to 60 kilometers (30 to 40 miles) located 67 kilometers (42 miles) east of Kainantu.
The USGS issued a tsunami warning but subsequently said the threat “has now passed”.
There were no reports of any serious damage, officials said. (ILKHA)