Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Seram, Indonesia

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit Seram, Indonesia at 18:33 UTC on May 5, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 12.1 km (7.5 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.

The epicenter was located 153.3 km (95.3 miles) WSW of Fakfak (population 18 900), and 222.9 km (138.5 miles) E of Masohi (population 36 433), Indonesia.

6 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking and 33 000 moderate.

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 vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google