Strong M6.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit Vanuatu at 14:33 UTC on January 23, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 37.2 km (23.1 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.3 at a depth of 32 km (19.8 miles).
The epicenter was located 43.7 km (27.1 miles) SW of Port-Vila (population 35 901), and 216.5 km (134.5 miles) NW of Isangel (population 1 437), Vanuatu.
83 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 84 000 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.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
went through a 7.2 in Vanuatu in 2002 … not too much damage
so a “strong 6.3” is unlikely to have the locals overly worried