M6.3 earthquake hits near the east coast of Kyushu, Japan

A strong earthquake registered by the JMA as M6.3 hit near the east coast of Kyushu, Japan at 23:48 UTC (08:48 JST) on May 8, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 23 km (14.3 miles); EMSC M6.4 at a depth of 33 km (20.5 miles).

The epicenter was located 44 km (27.3 miles) ESE of Miyazaki (population 311 203), 50.4 km (31.3 miles) ENE of Nichinan (population 44 243), 51.4 km (31.0 miles) SE of Takanabe (population 22 513) and 55.6 km (34.5 miles) SE of Tsuma (population 34 318), Japan.

There are 1 240 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

273 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 1 083 000 light.

Although there may be slight sea-level changes in coastal regions/ this earthquake has caused no damage to Japan.

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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM