Very deep M7.0 earthquake hits near the coast of Java, Indonesia

A very strong and deep earthquake registered by the USGS as M7.0 hit near the northern coast of Java, Indonesia at 09:55 UTC on April 14, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 594 km (369 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 603 km (374 miles). BMKG is reporting it as M6.6 at a depth of 632 km (393 miles).

The epicenter was located 97.1 km (60.4 miles) N of Tuban (population 76 242) and 157.6 km (97.9 miles) NNW of Surabaya (population 2 374 658).

44 681 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, BMKG said.

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

Update, April 17

One fatality was reported in Marga Village, Taban Regency (Bali Island).

Four homes were damaged in West Java and East Java provinces.

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google