6.2-magnitude quake hits off Papua New Guinea coast - USGS

SYDNEY — A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck Saturday off the coast of Papua New Guinea's New Ireland province, the United States Geological Survey said.

The quake struck at a depth of 72 about 115 kilometres southeast of the town of Kokopo.

Kokopo Beach Bungalow Resort receptionist Emonck Abelis said the earthquake lasted about a minute but there was "no damage around the area". 

Earthquakes are common in Papua New Guinea, which sits atop the seismic "Ring of Fire",  an arc of intense tectonic activity that stretches through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

Although they seldom cause widespread damage in sparsely populated areas, they can trigger destructive landslides.