Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits off the coast of Solomon Islands
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit off the coast of Solomon Islands at 07:25 UTC on May 3, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 80 km (49 miles).
The epicenter was located 146 km (91 miles) NNE of Buala and 277 km (172 miles) N of Honiara, Solomon Islands.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
18 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 56 000 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 mud wall and informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM
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