Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Solomon Islands region

Epicenter of M6.2 earthquake near Panguna, Papua New Guinea on October 11, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google The epicenter was located approximately 81 km (50 miles) SSE of Panguna (population 2 916), 88 km (55 miles) S of Arawa (population 40 266), and 482 km (300 miles) SE of Kokopo (population 26 273), Papua New Guinea. It was also located 175 km (109 miles) NW of Gizo (population 7 177) and 534 km (332 miles) NW of Malango (population 10 532), Solomon Islands. Approximately 1 000 people are estimated to have experienced weak shaking, 244 000 light, and 78 000 moderate. The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal structures made of metal, timber, and GI materials, and unreinforced brick masonry construction. Recent earthquakes in the area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused landslides that might have contributed to losses, according to the USGS PAGER information. Epicenter of M6.2 earthquake near Panguna, Papua New Guinea on October 11, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking Caption: Selected cities exposed Regional seismicity References: 1 6.2 earthquake near Panguna, Papua New Guinea – USGS – October 11, 2026 2 M6.2 earthquake Solomon Islands region – EMSC – October 11, 2026 Rishav Kothari I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.