Shallow M6.4 earthquake hits southeast of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands at 15:37 UTC on May 26, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 15 km (9 miles). This is the second M6+ earthquake of the day.
The epicenter was located 453.6 km (281.8 miles) ESE of Tadine, Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia.
There are just a few 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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and wood construction.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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