6.0 Earthquake South of Kokopo: Submarine Cables Fully Operational, GeoCables Confirms
Earthquake off the Coast of Papua New Guinea
At 21:45:03 local time on October 13, 2026, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6 occurred. The epicenter was located 126 km south of Kokopo, Papua New Guinea. This region, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly prone to seismic activity due to the complex tectonic interactions between the Pacific Plate and the Indo-Australian Plate. Such events are significant not only for their geological implications but also for their potential impact on critical infrastructure, including submarine cables that serve as lifelines for global communications.
Submarine Cables in the Epicenter Area
Within a radius of 500 km from the earthquake's epicenter, GeoCables has identified two major submarine cables that are vital for connectivity in the region. The first is the Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable System, which spans 5457 km and has been operational since 2019 under the management of PNG DataCo Limited. This cable is a critical asset for Papua New Guinea, linking its islands and facilitating domestic and international communication. The nearest access point to the epicenter is located in Arave, approximately 388.4 km away.
The second cable is the Coral Sea Cable System (CS²), which extends 4700 km and has been operational since 2020. This cable connects Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Australia, serving as a key conduit for data exchange and international connectivity. Its closest node to the epicenter is situated in Taro, Solomon Islands, at a distance of 490.3 km. Both cables are strategically important for the region's digital infrastructure, ensuring seamless communication across islands and with global networks.
What Our Measurements Show
GeoCables' monitoring systems confirmed the stability of both submarine cables in the aftermath of the earthquake. Continuous real-time analysis of round-trip time (RTT) metrics revealed no anomalies or deviations from standard performance. For the Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable System, the RTT between Papua New Guinea and Australia remains consistent within the expected range of 45-50 milliseconds. Similarly, the Coral Sea Cable System maintains stable RTT values of approximately 40-45 milliseconds between the Solomon Islands and Australia. These findings affirm that both cables are fully operational, with no evidence of physical damage or degradation in communication quality.
Context and Risks
The Pacific Ocean is a dynamic region where natural events such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and underwater volcanic activity frequently occur. Submarine cables in this area are designed to withstand such challenges, incorporating advanced engineering solutions to ensure durability and reliability. The resilience demonstrated by the Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable System and the Coral Sea Cable System in the wake of this seismic event underscores the robustness of their construction and operational protocols. These cables are essential for maintaining stable communication networks, supporting economic activities, emergency response, and international connectivity.
Further Monitoring
GeoCables remains committed to proactive monitoring of submarine cable networks in the Pacific region, particularly in areas with heightened seismic activity. In the coming days, additional diagnostic tests will be conducted to detect any latent issues that may arise due to the earthquake's impact. These tests will include assessments of signal integrity, throughput capacity, and latency metrics to ensure the continued reliability of the cables. GeoCables will also analyze broader network performance to confirm the stability of interconnected systems. By maintaining vigilant oversight, we aim to safeguard the critical infrastructure that supports communication and data exchange across the Pacific and beyond.
