Strong and shallow M6.5 earthquake hits near the coast of Western Australia

A strong earthquake registered by Geoscience Australia as M6.5 hit near the coast of Western Australia at 05:39 UTC on July 14, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 0 km. USGS is reporting M6.6 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 203 km (126 miles) W of Broome and 296 km (184 miles) NW of Port Hedland, Western Australia.

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

45 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 1 494 000 light.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

Image credit: Google, TW/SAM

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

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM