M6.0 earthquake hits Kermadec Islands
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit the Kermadec Islands at 10:45 UTC on January 26, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 135.7 km (84.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M5.6 at a depth of 100 km (62 miles).
The epicenter was located 871.9 km (541.8 miles) NE of Ngunguru, Northland, New Zealand.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are reinforced masonry and unreinforced brick with timber floor construction.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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