Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hit southeast of Loyalty Islands

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit southeast of Loyalty Islands at 19:31 UTC on September 10, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 234.6 km (145.8 miles) ESE of Tadine (population 7 492), New Caledonia and 291.2 km (180.9 miles) SSE of Isangel (population 1 437), Vanuatu.

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 345 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

The USGS issued 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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and wood construction.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: USGS, EMSC