Strong and shallow M6.5 earthquake hits near the coast of Nicaragua

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.5 hit near the coast of Nicaragua at 09:57 UTC on September 22, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 30.7 km (19 miles) EMSC is reporting M6.5 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles).

The epicenter was located 80 km (50 miles) WSW of Corinto (population 19 183) and 93 km (58 miles) SW of El Viejo (population 53 504), Nicaragua.

There are about 270 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

5 419 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami risk from this earthquake, NWS PTWC said.

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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are mud wall and adobe block 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