M6.4 earthquake hits Anatahan region, Northern Mariana Islands
Image credit: USGS, EMSC
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit Anatahan region, Northern Mariana Islands at 22:35 UTC on August 28, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 59.9 km (37.2 miles). EMSC is reporting Mw6.4 at a depth of 80 m (49 miles). This earthquake can have a low humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.
According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 209.0 km (129.8 miles) NE of Saipan (population 48 220), and 239.4 km (148.8 miles) NE of San Jose Village (population 15 000), Northern Mariana Islands.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, PTWC said.
Some 47 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 176 000 weak.
The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and unknown/miscellaneous types construction.
Regional seismicity
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