Strong and shallow M6.3 earthquake hits Vanuatu

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.3 hit Vanuatu at 22:23 UTC on May 25, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 29.2 km (18.1 miles).

The epicenter was located 83.4 km (51.8 miles) NNW of Port Vila (population 35 901) and 122.9 km (76.3 miles) SSE of Lakatoro (population 709).

25 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 216 000 light.

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 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