Shallow M6.7 earthquake hits Russia – Mongolia border region

A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit Russia – Mongolia border region at 21:32 UTC on January 11, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The quake was followed by M5.2 at 21:59 and M5.0 at 22:02 UTC, both at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 33 km (21 miles) SSW of Turt (population 2 140), Mongolia, 180 km (112 miles) S of Mörön (population 27 690), Mongolia, and 222 km (138 miles) WNW of Zakamensk (population 12 250), Russia.

There are about 19 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

8 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 18 000 moderate, 1 248 000 light, and 4 192 000 weak.

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 adobe block and unreinforced brick with mud construction.

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Regional seismicity

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google