M6.1 earthquake hits Sulawesi, Indonesia at intermediate depth

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit North Sulawesi, Indonesia at 20:59 UTC on January 6, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 157 km (97 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 161 km (100 miles).

The epicenter was located 60 km (37 miles) SSW of Gorontalo (population 144 195), and 108 km (67 miles) N of Luwuk (population 47 778), Indonesia.

There are 1 130 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

2 287 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 2 576 000 weak.

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 vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Regional seismicity

Featured image ​credit: TW/SAM, Google