Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Vanuatu at 07:09 UTC on May 27, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).
The epicenter was located 80 km (49 miles) NW of Port-Vila and 126 km (78 miles) SSE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu.
There are 110 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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