Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Mindanao, Philippines
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Mindanao, Philippines at 10:44 UTC on February 1, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 13.5 km (8.3 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles); PHIVOLCS M6.0 at a depth of 27 km (16.8 miles).
The epicenter was located 4.3 km (2.7 miles) SSW of Monkayo (population 51 393), 10.6 km (6.6 miles) N of Cabinuangan (population 10 776), 11.3 km (7 miles) NE Montevista (population 10 147), 12.6 km (7.8 miles) NNW of Compostela (population 42 563), 91.9 km (57.1 miles) NNE of Davao (population 1 212 504).
170 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 470 000 strong, 1 397 000 moderate and 10 567 000 light.
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 a mix of vulnerable and earthquake-resistant construction. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and heavy wood frame construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is estimated to be significant in severity and (or) spatial extent, according to the USGS.
The number of people living near areas that could have produced liquefaction in this earthquake is significant.
PHIVOLCS said both aftershocks and damages are expected from this earthquake.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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This massive increase in geological activity is abundantly clear evidence that earth’s magnetic field is under enormous stress. The field might even experience temporary breakdown if the stress will increase further.