July 14, 1971 Earthquake: Bougainville, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

On July 14, 1971 at 16:11 [local time] a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 occurred at a depth of 50 km in the Solomon Sea near the New Britain, New Ireland and Bougainville Islands. The earthquake was felt strongest on these and neighboring islands. The shock was also felt in Papua, New Guinea. Deep inland on New Britain, the earthquake was felt at an intensity of 8-9 points (MM). In Rabaul the intensity was 7-8 points (MM). Damage was not significant in the city but was heavy in the region where intensity reached 8 pints. In Wide Bay and Wakkunai an intensity of 5 points was recorded and in Kieta the intensity was 5-6 points. In Kobuassan the stylus of the seismograph broke. Precise data are not available for New Ireland and Bougainville. In some regions the earthquake intensity was apparently not less than 8-9 points (M).

The earthquake caused two deaths, five serious injuries, and considerable damage; coastal highways were blocked by landslides and hydro-electric plants were destroyed. Bii and Hives, two small islands in the Rabaul Gulf, were partially submerged. The tsunami which followed this earthquake reached the harbor of Rabaul approximately 30 min after the earthquake. (reference #417)

Felt (VII) at Rabaul, New Britain. (reference #1053)

Yesterday's earthquake in the New Guienea islands damaged or demolished more than 100 buildings, mainly in rural areas of New Britain's Gazelle Peninsula. Overall damage is estimated at $250,000. Gaulim, 30 miles from Rabaul, was worst-hit. Sixteen of 30 teachers' college buildings there were damaged or wrecked. Many island buildings, mainly islanders' dwellings were rocked from their stilts by the first shock. Schools and churches were also damaged […] The only confirmed death was that of Rabi Tokavanamur, 40, of Toboina village, a crippled man found near the water's edge on the north coast of the peninsula. He is presumed to have drowned. (reference #14297)