The very large earthquake doublet comprised a Mw 7.6 initial shock that had a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong) and a second event measuring Mw  7.4 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong).

The events took place less than three hours apart to the east-northeast of Sorong on the Bird's Head Peninsula and left at least four people dead and dozens injured.

The earthquakes were also felt in nearby Papua New Guinea and Darwin, Australia.

[8][9] An official of World Vision International, a humanitarian aid organization, said ten buildings had been destroyed, including several hotels and the house of a government official.

Officials said three people, who had been staying at the Mutiara hotel in the city of Manokwari, were pulled alive from the rubble and taken to a hospital.