Very deep M6.2 and M6.0 earthquakes hit near the coast of Java, Indonesia

Two very deep earthquakes, registered as M6.2 and M6.0 by the USGS, hit near the coast of Java, Indonesia at 07:06 and 07:32 UTC on September 19, 2019. The agency is reporting depths of 611.8 km (380 miles) and 591.2 km (367 miles), respectively. EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 626 km (388 miles) and M6.0 at a depth of 613 km (380 miles).

The epicenters were located 83.7 km (52 miles) NNE of Lasem (population 28 948), 91.9 km (57.1 miles) NE of Rembangan (population 44 030) and 95.7 km (59.5 miles) NNW of Tuban (population 76 242), East Java, Indonesia.

There are 1 210 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

2 749 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

Image credit: Google, TW/SAM

The USGS has 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.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM