Shallow M6.0 earthquake hits South Sandwich Islands region
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit South Sandwich Islands region at 03:39 UTC on December 20, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 5 km (3.1 miles).
The epicenter was located about 2 350 km (1 461 miles) SSW of Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, Tristan da Cunha, Saint Helena.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
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 adobe block with concrete bond beam and unreinforced brick with concrete floor construction.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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