M6.7 earthquake hits near Talaud Islands, Indonesia

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.7 hit near Talaud Islands, Indonesia at 20:48 UTC on January 8, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 68 km (42 miles). BMKG is reporting M6.7 at a depth of 97 km (60 miles); EMSC M6.8 at a depth of 91 km (56 miles).

The epicenter was located 100.3 km (62.3 miles) SE of Sarangani, Davao, Philippines.

26 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 274 000 moderate and 5 668 000 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 that might have contributed to losses.

The quake was followed by a series of aftershocks, including M4.8 at 21:06 UTC and M4.1 at 21:12.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google