Strong M6.4 earthquake hits near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 hit near the coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 11:21 UTC on October 4, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 121.7 km (76 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 66.4 km (41.3 miles) E of Sarangani (population 7 506), 79.2 km (49.2 miles) SE of Caburan (population 12 618), 186.4 km (115.8 miles) SE of Koronadal (population 195 398), Philippines.
26 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 9 037 000 light.
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.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking


Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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