6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea

Is Papua New Guinea exceptionally vulnerable, or is international aid making the nation more resilient?

Published DEC 22 2025

6.5-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Papua New Guinea

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Above: Earthquake monitoring station at the Saxony Network Data Center in Germany on May 25, 2025. Image credit: Jan Woitas/Picture Alliance/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

While the impact of this earthquake appears to be limited, Papua New Guinea is one of the most vulnerable nations in the world when it comes to disaster preparedness, with mass internal displacement taking place on account of poor infrastructure and a mostly rural population. The situation is a disaster in the making, and the next earthquake could cause an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

International Organization for Migration

Narrative B

Many foreign partners, including nations such as Australia and international organizations, have worked hard to improve the disaster resilience of Papua New Guinea. Swift humanitarian action after landslides in 2024 provided millions in aid to thousands across the isolated island nation. Disaster risk reduction is a sound strategy in PNG.

Geoscience Australia

European Union on Youtube