Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits south of Java, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake, registered by the BMKG as M6.0, hit south of Java, Indonesia at 06:07 UTC on December 6, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting it as M5.9 at a depth of 18 km (11.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 271 km (168.4 miles) S of Kencong and 271.8 km (168.9 miles) SSW of Gambiran Satu, East Java, Indonesia.

There is no tsunami potential from this earthquake, BMKG said.

This earthquake was felt in the Jember, Gubukmas, Mataram, Kepanjen, and Sumberpucung areas with an intensity scale of III MMI (the vibrations were felt visibly inside the house as if a truck was passing), Kuta and South Kuta areas with an intensity scale of II-III MMI (the vibrations were felt by several people, light objects that were hung swayed), areas of Madiun, Ponorogo, Bantul, Yogyakarta, Sawahan, Klaten, Banyuwangi, and Karangasem with an intensity scale of II MMI (vibration felt by several people, light objects that were hung rocking).

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 vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google