Strong M6.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Vanuatu at 02:09 UTC on January 3, 2022, at a depth of 104 km (65 miles). EMSC is reporting it as M6.0 at a depth of 125 km (77 miles).
The epicenter was located 110 km (68 miles) NW of Sola and 530 km (239 miles) NNW of Port-Villa, Vanuatu.
There are about 2 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).
16 000 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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and wood 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
Regional seismicity
Feature image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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