6.4-magnitude quake hits Papua New Guinea: USGS

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale jolted 128 km off Lorengau, Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The epicenter, with a depth of 7.3 km, was initially determined to be at 2.9 degrees south latitude and 148.0 degrees east longitude.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami threat from the earthquake and no tsunami alerts have been issued.

There is no word yet on damage or injuries.

Quakes are common for the island nation that lies on the 4,000-kilometre-long Pacific Australia plate, which forms part of the "Ring of Fire," a hotspot for seismic activity due to friction between tectonic plates. Endit