A strong earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea on Monday, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat.

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Papua New Guinea on Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

The earthquake occurred about 187 kilometers southeast of Lorengau at a depth of 47.8 kilometers. The tremor was felt across parts of the surrounding islands, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, local authorities said.

Officials launched safety inspections following the quake and urged residents to remain calm while monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said the earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat, easing concerns for coastal communities in the region.

Papua New Guinea lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world's most seismically active zones, where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently due to the movement of tectonic plates.(ILKHA)