Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 15:38 UTC (23:38 LT) on March 26, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 54 km (33.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 80 km (50 miles). PHIVOLCS registered it as 6.1 at a depth of 49 km (30.4 miles).

The epicenter was located 8.9 km (5.5 miles) SW of Baliton (population 5 809), 14.9 km (9.2 miles) SSW of Glan (population 24 256), 33.1 km (20.5 miles) SSW of Malapatan (population 19 439) and 40.1 km (24.8 miles) SSW of Lun Pequeño (population 11 541), Philippines.

There are about 2 270 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

15 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 1 107 000 moderate and 2 293 000 light.

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 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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM