Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Northern Mariana Islands

A strong and shallow earthquake registred by the USGS as M6.2 hit Northern Mariana Islands at 09:54 UTC on April 2, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

The epicenter was located 137 km (85 miles) ESE of Saipan and 164 km (102 miles) NE of San Jose Village, Northern Mariana Islands.

53 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

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 unknown/miscellaneous types construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.

According to the USGS forecast, there is a 20% chance of one or more aftershocks that are larger than magnitude 5, which can be damaging, within the next week. There will likely be smaller aftershocks within the next week, with up to 130 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks. Magnitude 3 and higher aftershocks are large enough to be felt nearby. The number of aftershocks will decrease over time, but a large aftershock can temporarily increase the number of aftershocks.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google