1998 Papua New Guinea earthquake

1998 Papua New Guinea earthquake
UTC time1998-07-17 08:49:13
ISC event1167076
USGS-ANSSComCat
Local dateJuly 17, 1998 (1998-07-17)
Local time6:49 pm
Duration19 seconds
Magnitude7.0 Mw
Depth30 km (19 mi)
Epicenter3°07′S 142°26′E / 3.11°S 142.44°E / -3.11; 142.44
TypeDip-slip
Areas affectedPapua New Guinea
Max. intensityMMI VIII (Severe)
Tsunami15 m (49 ft)
Casualties2,183–2,700 dead
Thousands injured

The 1998 Papua New Guinea earthquake occurred on July 17 with a moment magnitude of 7.0 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe). The event occurred on a reverse fault near the north coast region of Papua New Guinea, 25 kilometers (16 mi) from the coast near Aitape and caused a large submarine landslide which caused a tsunami that hit the coast, killing between at least 2,183 and 2,700 people and injuring thousands.