Deep M6.4 earthquake hits near the coast of Ambrym, Vanuatu

A strong and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit near the coast of Ambrym, Vanuatu at 12:05 UTC (23:05 LT) on August 5, 2020. The agency is reporting a depth of 174 km (108 miles). The EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 181 km (112 miles).

The epicenter was located 71.2 km (44.1 miles) E of Lakatoro (population 705), 118.3 km (73.3 miles) ESE of Luganville (population 13 397), and 181.5 km (112.5 miles) N of Port-Vila (population 35 901), Vanuatu.

There are 85 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

249 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

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

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google