Strong M6.4 earthquake hits off the coast of Halmahera, Indonesia

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit off the coast of Halmahera, Indonesia at 08:49 UTC (17:49 LT) on June 4, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 106.9 km (66 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 105 km (65 miles).
The epicenter was located 134.7 km (83.5 miles) NNE of Tobelo (population 10 000), 253.6 km (157.2 miles) NNE of Sofifi (population 36 197), and 254.6 km (157.9 miles) NNE of Ternate (population 101 731), Indonesia.
There are about 120 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
83 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 613 000 light.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, PTWC said.
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 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.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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