Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits near the coast of Papua New Guinea
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit near the coast of northern Papua New Guinea at 05:45 UTC on February 7, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 51 km (32 miles).
The epicenter was located 195 km (121 miles) SW of Lorengau and 217 km (135 miles) N of Madang, Papua New Guinea.
There are just a few people living within 100 km (62 miles).
359 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
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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