Deep M6.0 earthquake shakes Mindanao, Philippines

A very deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 07:55 UTC on November 4, 2018 (15:55 local time). The agency is reporting a depth of 598 km (371 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 603 km (374 miles). This earthquake can have a low humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.

The epicenter was located 6.5 km (4.1 miles) SE of Sapad (population 4 471), 17 km (11 miles) SE of Maranding (population 13 694), 29 km (18 miles) SSE of Tubod (population 10 975), and 31 km (19 miles) SSE of Tangub (population 29 721).

There are about 5 590 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

Some 35 379 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

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 informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and heavy wood frame 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