Strong and shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 23:21 UTC on December 15, 2020 (07:21 LT, December 16). The agency is reporting a depth of 27 km (16 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 44 km (27 miles), PHIVOLCS M6.2 at 16 km (10 miles).
The epicenter was located 22 km (13.7 miles) S of Sarangani (population 7 506), 73.5 km (45.7 miles) SSW of Glan (population 24 256), 82.2 km (51.1 miles) SSW of Caburan (population 12 618), and 86 km (53 miles) S of Malapatan (population 19 439), Philippines.
There are about 370 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
54 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 3 481 000 light.
PHIVOLCS said they expect damage and aftershocks.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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 a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and heavy wood frame 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
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