M6.0 earthquake hits near the south coast of Java, Indonesia

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit near the south coast of Java, Indonesia at 07:00 UTC on April 10, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 82.3 km (51.1 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 84 km (52 miles).

The epicenter was located 45 km (28 miles) SSW of Gongdanglegi Kulon (population 22 468), 45 km (28 miles) S of Sumberpucung (population 35 285), and 148 km (92 miles) S of Surabaya (population 2 374 658), Indonesia.

There are 9 380 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

1 621 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 42 715 light.

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.

According to disaster agency spokesman Raditya Jati, eight people had lost their lives while multiple others had sustained injuries. One of the fatalities was a woman who was hit by falling rocks while riding a motorcycle in Lumajang District.

Three of the victims were killed in Malang, while four bodies were retrieved from the rubble in Kali Uling.

About 1 189 homes were damaged, along with 150 public facilities, including hospitals, government offices, and schools, Jati added. Several communities had been evacuated.

Seismic activity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google