Strong M6.8 earthquake hits Argentina at intermediate depth

A very strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.8 hit Jujuy, Argentina at 23:06 UTC on May 10, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 193.8 km (120 miles). EMSC is reporting it as M6.8 at a depth of 176 km (109 miles).

The epicenter was located about 90.7 km (56.3 miles) NW of San Antonio de los Cobres (population 4 000) and 164.2 km (102 miles) WSW of Humahuaca (population 11 369).

There are about 10 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

16 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 3 371 000 light.

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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and rubble/field stone masonry 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