6.9-magnitude earthquake hits Papua New Guinea, no casualties reported

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea, and a tsunami warning was issued, but it was later canceled, and no casualties or damage have been reported so far.

The earthquake was centered in the Cumby area, 194 kilometers east of New Britain Island, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of waves between one and three meters high along parts of the Papua New Guinea coastline. Alerts for smaller waves up to 0.3 meters were also issued for the Solomon Islands, which were later withdrawn.

According to foreign media, New Britain Island is home to 500,000 people. It is located in an active area of ​​the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire.” Authorities are continuing to monitor for any aftershocks or structural effects.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief in a phone call with Myanmar’s junta chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, following a powerful earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation on March 28.

During the conversation, PM Shehbaz conveyed condolences on behalf of the Pakistani government and citizens, expressing solidarity with Myanmar’s affected communities. He announced that Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) would send approximately 70 tons of relief supplies in two separate sorties within the next 48 hours.

Myanmar’s military leadership welcomed Pakistan’s support, with General Hlaing thanking Islamabad for its timely assistance. He acknowledged the aid as a meaningful gesture amid growing humanitarian needs.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest in Myanmar’s history, has left at least 1,700 people dead, 3,400 injured, and over 300 missing as of Sunday, according to the military government. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue in areas with limited resources.