Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Masbate region, Philippines
A shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit the Masbate region, Philippines at 18:10 UTC on February 15, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.0 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles).
The epicenter was located 11 km (6.8 miles) NNE of Miaga (population 2 149, 26.8 km (16.6 miles) ESE of Masbate (population 47 490), 38.5 km (23.8 miles) S of Bulan (population 28 529), and 45.4 km (28.1 miles) SSW of Irosin (population 20 716), Philippines.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 359 000 strong, and 920 000 moderate.
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 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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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