Strong M6.1 earthquake hits near the coast of Philippines

A strong earthquake registered by the PHIVOLCS as M6.2 hit near the coast Philippines at 10:12 UTC (18:12 LT) on May 31, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 76 km (47 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 90.2 km (56 miles). This earthquake can have a low humanitarian impact based on the magnitude and the affected population and their vulnerability.

The epicenter was located 42.7 km (26.6 miles) ESE of Pondaguitan (population 2 143), 84.9 km (52.8 miles) SSE of Mati (population 105 908) and 92.2 km (57.3 miles) SE of Lupon (population 27 247), Philippines.

There are 450 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

7 641 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 932 000 weak, according to the USGS.

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 a mix of vulnerable and earthquake resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types 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: Google, TW/SAM