A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit near the coast of Yamdena island, Tanimbar Islands, Maluku, Indonesia at 07:33 UTC on February 26, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 61.2 km (38 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 44 km (27 miles).
The epicenter was located 48 km (30 miles) NNW of Saumlaki and 278 km (173 miles) SW of Tual, Indonesia.
There are about 74 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
14 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 67 000 light.
Image credit: Google, TW/SAM
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.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM
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