Strong M6.1 earthquake hits Luzon, Philippines

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Luzon, Philippines at 21:50 UTC on May 21, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 129 km (80 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 175 km (108 miles); PHIVOLCS M6.1 at 126 km (78 miles).

The epicenter was located about 1.9 km (1.2 miles) ENE of Bungahan (population 3 340) and 60 km (37 miles) WSW of Calamba (population 316 612).

There are about 26.6 million people living within 100 km (62 miles).

295 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 44 million light.

PHIVOLCS said the quake was tectonic in nature, adding that it’s expecting damage and aftershocks.

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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google