Shallow M6.1 earthquake hits Banda Sea, Indonesia
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.1 hit Banda Sea, Indonesia at 08:23 UTC on April 22, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 34.7 km (21.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 20 km (12.4 miles).
The epicenter was located 320.1 km (198.9 miles) E of Katobu and 320.5 km (199.1 miles) E of Raha, Indonesia.
58 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.
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.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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