Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Indonesia’s Timor region

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.2 hit Indonesia's Timor region at 07:08 UTC (14:08 local time) on August 28, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 8.6 km (5.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M_w6.2 at a depth of 2 km (1.2 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 70.8 km (44.0 miles) SSE of Habo, 98.0 km (60.9 miles) SE of Kupang (population 282 396), 111.2 km (69.1 miles) S of Seo (population 27 717), 159.9 km (99.4 miles) SSW of Kefamenanu (population 29 490), Indonesia, and 208.5 km (129.5 miles) SW of Suai (population 21 539), East Timor.

There are 520 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

Some 781 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

The quake was followed by M5.8 at a depth of 10 km just 5 minutes later.

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 vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Little to no landsliding and liquefaction is expected, but could still have occurred in highly susceptible areas.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS, EMSC