Shallow M6.4 earthquake hits near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.4 hit near the north coast of Papua, Indonesia at 17:16 UTC on December 30, 2023 (00:16 local time, December 31). The agency is reporting a depth of 40 km (25 miles). USGS and EMSC are reporting M6.3 at a depth of 39 km (24 miles).

This is the second earthquake above magnitude 6 to strike Indonesia today, following an M6.3 that hit off the west coast of northern Sumatra at 05:19 UTC (12:19 local time).

The epicenter was located 148 km (91.9 miles) WSW of Abepura (population 62 248), and 159.1 km (98.9 miles) WSW of Jayapura (population 404 004), Papua, Indonesia.

17 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 1 162 000 light.

Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, NWS PTWC said.

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 informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and unreinforced brick 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

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google