Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits Ryukyu Islands, Japan

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit the Ryukyu Islands region of Japan at 15:51 UTC on June 13, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 160 km (99 miles). JMA is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 160 km, EMSC M6.7 at a depth of 155 km (96 miles).

The epicenter was located 132 km (82 miles) WNW of Naze, 260 km (161 miles) N of Nago, and 284 km (176 miles) N of Ishikawa, Japan.

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

122 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

This earthquake poses no tsunami risk, JMA 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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry 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: TW/SAM, Google