Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Vanuatu at 21:10 UTC on July 12, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located about 87.8 km (54.6 mi) SE of Port-Vila (population 35 901) and 153.9 km (95.6 mi) N of Isangel, Vanuatu.
126 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
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.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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