Shallow M6.2 earthquake hits Kermadec Islands region
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit the Kermadec Islands region at 15:54 UTC on May 31, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 19.6 km (12.3 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
This is the second M6+ earthquake within just 10 minutes. It follows M6.2 at 15:46 UTC in the Prince Edward Islands region.
The epicenter was located 870 km (540 miles) SSW of ‘Ohonua, ʻEua, Tonga, and 1 115 km (693 miles) NE of Whangarei, Northland, New Zealand.
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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are reinforced masonry and unreinforced brick with timber floor construction.
Regional seismicity
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