Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Sumba region of Indonesia
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.3 hit Sumba region of Indonesia at 00:16 UTC (07:16 local time) on October 2, 2018. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles), EMSC is reporting the same magnitude at a depth of 40 km (1.2 miles). It was preceded by several M5+ earthquakes.
According to the USGS, the epicenter was located 30 km (19 miles) NNE of Nggongi Satu, 90 km (57 miles) N of Waingapu, and 207 km (129 miles) N of Ruteng, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
The quake had no tsunami potential, BMKG said.
There are 230 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles) and less than 1 000 within 20 km (12.4 miles).
Some 3 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking, 605 000 light and 13 636 000 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 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.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: USGS, EMSC
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