Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Guadeloupe at intermediate depth

Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 location map f

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit near the west coast of Guadeloupe at 11:23 UTC on January 20, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 165 km (102 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 40.8 km (25.4 miles) WSW of Pointe-Noire (population 7 749), 47.8 km (29.7 miles) WNW of Basse-Terre (population 11 472), and 54 km (33.5 miles) WSW of Sainte-Rose (population 20 192), Guadeloupe.

643 000 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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and rubble/field stone masonry construction.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 location map bg
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 location map bg2
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 usgs epe
Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 usgs epet

Selected cities exposed

Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 usgs sce

Regional seismicity

Guadeloupe M6.2 earthquake january 20 2023 emsc rs

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google

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