Strong M6.3 earthquake hits Mindoro, Philippines
A strong earthquake registered by PHIVOLCS as M6.3 hit Mindoro, Philippines at 23:43 UTC on December 24, 2020 (07:43 LT, December 25). The agency is reporting a depth of 109 km (67 miles). The USGS is reporting the same magnitude and depth; EMSC M6.3 at a depth of 33 km (20 miles).
The epicenter was located 1.8 km (1.1 miles) SSW of Calatagan (population 16 110), 17.7 km (11 miles) SW of Balayan (population 50 115), 24.1 km (15 miles) WSW of Calaca (population 37 443), 27.7 km (17.2 miles) S of Nasugbu (population 62 857), and 73 km (45 miles) SW of Calamba (population 316 612), Philippines.
There are about 20 200 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
12 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 3 775 000 moderate, and 40 465 000 light.
Phivolcs said aftershocks are expected.
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 and liquefaction 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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