Shallow M6.3 earthquake hit Molucca Sea, Indonesia

A shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.3 hit the Molucca Sea, Indonesia at 04:37 UTC (11:37 local time) on March 24, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M6.1 at a depth of 37.4 km (23.2 miles) and 60 km (37.3 miles).

The epicenter was located about 128 km (80 miles) WNW of Susupu and 147 km (92 miles) NW of Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia.

There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).

12 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM