Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits north of Honduras

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit north of Honduras at 08:04 UTC (02:04 LT) on April 16, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 55.5 km (34.4 miles) NNE of Savannah Bight (population 1 031), 111.6 km (69.2 miles) NE of Coxen Hole (population 7 514), 141.7 km (87.9 miles) NNE of Tocoa (population 30 785), 173.2 km (107.4 miles) NE of La Ceiba (population 130 218), and 185.3 km (114.9 miles) NNE of Olanchito (population 25 969), Honduras.

There are about 18 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

1 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 674 000 light.

Based on all available data, there is no significant tsunami threat from this earthquake, PTWC said. However, there is a very small possibility of tsunami waves along coasts located nearest the epicenter. There is no tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands 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 a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and adobe block with concrete bond beam construction.

Little or no landsliding is expected, but some landslides could have occurred in highly susceptible areas.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM