Strong M6.8 earthquake hits Maug Islands region, Northern Mariana Islands

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.8 hit the Maug Islands region, Northern Mariana Islands at 11:03 UTC on April 5, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 220 km (137 miles).

The epicenter was located 434.9 km (270.2 miles) N of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, and 621.8 km (386.4 miles) N of Yigo Village, Guam.

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 of construction.

According to the USGS forecast, there is a 40% chance of one or more aftershocks 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 230 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.

This forecast applies to the area where the earthquake and aftershocks are already occurring.

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google