Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Tonga region
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Tonga region at 13:04 UTC on December 6, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 164 km (101) WNW of Hihifo (population 815), Samoa and 395 km (246 miles) WSW of Apia (population 40 407), Samoa.
There are about 400 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
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 unknown/miscellaneous types and wood construction.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM
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