M6.4 earthquake hits west of Okinawa at intermediate depth
A strong earthquake registered by the Japan Meteorological Agency as M6.4 hit west of Okinawa, Japan at 13:21 UTC on September 18, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 170 km (105 miles). USGS is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 183 km (113 miles).
The epicenter was located 181.3 km (112.7 miles) N of Hirara, and 238.1 km (147.9 miles) W of Naha, Okinawa.
63 000 people are estimated to have felt light 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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry 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
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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