M6.3 earthquake hits north of Halmahera at intermediate depth, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit Halmahera, Indonesia at 20:02 UTC on February 23, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 97.1 km (60 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 178.3 km (110.8 miles) N of Tobelo and 294.5 km (183 miles) NNE of Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia.
2 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 598 000 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 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.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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