Shallow M5.7 earthquake hits southern Iran, USGS issues Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities
Image credit: TW/Google
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.7 hit southern Iran at 17:18 UTC (21:48 LT) on June 9, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). IRSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth, EMSC M5.7 at a depth of just 2 km (1.2 miles).
The quake was preceded by M5.4 at 16:08 UTC and followed by M4.2 at 17:43 UTC, according to the USGS.
Over the past 24 hours, the region was hit by 11 earthquakes, including M5.7, according to data provided by the Iranian Seismological Center (IRSC).
The epicenter was located 57.8 km (35.9 miles) ENE of Mohr (population 35 000), 69.8 km (43.4 miles) W of Gerash (population 25 316), and 135 km (83.9 miles) S of Fasa (population 98 061), Iran.
There are about 860 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
Image credit: TW/Google
Image credit: TW/Google
2 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 27 000 strong, 46 000 moderate, and 918 000 light.
The USGS issued a yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and a green alert for economic losses. Some casualties are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past events with this alert level have required a local or regional level response.
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 adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud and timber post-construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Relief and Rescue Organization of Iran's Red Crescent Society said that assessment teams have been dispatched to the quake-hit region.
There are currently no reports about damage or injuries.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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