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 06:02 UTC (14:02 LT) on March 7, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 38.6 km (24 miles). PHIVOLCS is reporting M5.9 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles); EMSC M6.0 at 10 km (6.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 4.3 km (2.7 miles) SE of San Mariano (population 18 668), 16.5 km (10.2 miles) SSE of Nabunturan (population 16 671), 22.6 km (14 miles) ENE of Maco (population 12 520), 23.4 km (14.5 miles) SSW of Compostela (population 42 563), and 63.7 km (39.6 miles) NE of Davao (population 1 212 504), Davao, Philippines.

PHIVOLCS said aftershocks and damage are expected.

32 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 1 984 000 moderate, and 13 676 000 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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google