M6.0 earthquake hits off the coast of Vanuatu
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit off the coast of Vanuatu at 04:32 UTC on October 29, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 80 km (50 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 55 km (34 miles) WNW of Isangel (population 1 437) and 193 km (1 20 miles) SSE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu.
4 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 123 000 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 highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and wood 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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