Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits off the coast of the Philippines
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by PHIVOLCS as M6.6 hit off the eastern coast of the Philippines at 12:54 UTC on April 4, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 9 km (5 miles). The USGS is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 15 km (9 miles); EMSC M6.2 at a depth of 46 km (28.5 miles).
The epicenter was located 124.4 km (77.3 miles) E of Gigmoto and 422.5 km (262.5 miles) NNE of Cebu City.
According to the USGS PAGER, 1 408 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
PHIVOLCS said both aftershocks and damage are expected.
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.
Regional seismicity
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