Deep M7.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu – Fiji region
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.3 hit the Vanuatu – Fiji region at 06:29 UTC on October 2, 2021, at a depth of 536 km (333 miles). EMSC is reporting M7.2 at a depth of 531 km (329 miles).
The epicenter was located about 434 km (270 miles) SW of Nadi, Fiji.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
1 548 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
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 informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and unknown/miscellaneous types construction.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Regional seismicity
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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