Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Babuyan Islands, Philippines

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit near Dalupiri Island, Babuyan Islands Region, Philippines at 11:03 UTC on September 12, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 41.3 km (25.6 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 37 km (22.9 miles).

The epicenter was located 73.4 km (45.6 miles) N of Namuac (population 3 037), 74.9 km (46.6 miles) N of Claveria, and 110.8 km (68.9 miles) NNW of Aparri (population 33 230), Cagayan Valley, Philippines.

17 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 2 772 000 light.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

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 and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google