Papua New Guinea saw a strong 7.6-magnitude earthquake on Sunday, according to the US Geological Survey's updated data.
The quake was initially recorded at a magnitude 7.7 at a depth of 79 km; however, the service later clarified the data, lowering the magnitude of the earthquake and noting it hit at a depth of 61.4 km.
Separately, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), the earthquake took place at around 9:46 a.m. local time. The organization registered the epicenter at some 51 km from the city of Lae.
At the moment, no casualties have been reported. The US Tsunami Warning System initially reported that "tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 1,000 km of the earthquake epicenter." However, the warning has since been lifted.
Soon after the incident, photos and videos began to appear on social media of the alleged consequences of strong shocks. It is reported that the university building was damaged.
According to experts, with a difference of 36 minutes, an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 shook Sumatra, also located in the Ring of Fire region.
Moreover, officials have noted that twin earthquakes - registered at 6.4 and 6.1 - rattled the Mentawai Islands Regency, a chain of nearly 70 islands belonging to Indonesia.
The island nation frequently experiences strong earthquakes since it is located in the Ring of Fire, a seismically active region.