Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit near the east coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 01:23 UTC (09:23 LT) on April 19, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 19 km (11.8 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 60 km (37.3 miles); PHIVOLCS M5.9 at a depth of 16 km (9.9 miles).

The epicenter was located about 42.2 km (26.2 miles) E of Santiago (population 2 631), 45.5 km (28.3 miles) E of Manay (population 20 336), and 148.9 km (92.5 miles) E of Davao (population 1 212 504).

There are about 500 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles)

52 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking.

PHIVOLCS said no damage is expected from this earthquake.

Several moderate to strong aftershocks were registered, with the strongest M5.2 at 04:24 UTC.

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 unknown/miscellaneous types and heavy wood frame 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