A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit off the coast of Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia at 14:56 UTC on May 19, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). This is the second M6.3 earthquake to hit the region since 01:23 UTC today. EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 165 km (103 miles) E of Tadine, New Caledonia and 226 km (140 miles) S of Isangel, Vanuatu.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
At least 3 strong earthquakes were registered in this area today - M6.3 at 01:23, M5.9 at 14:27 and M6.3 at 14:56 UTC.
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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and wood construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM
