The quake hit at a depth of 19km at 2.05am GMT in the Solomon Sea, around 200km off the southern coast of New Britain island, according to the USGS.

There were no immediate reports of damage or tsunami warnings.

Papua New Guinea sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates.

In July 2020, a 6.9-magnitude quake sparked terror in the capital Port Moresby, but there were no reports of major damage.

And in February 2018, a 7.5-magnitude quake hit the country’s rugged highlands region, triggering landslides, burying homes and killing at least 125 people.