Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits Vanuatu
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit Vanuatu at 05:04 UTC on July 22, 2024. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 90 km (56 miles) NE of Norsup (population 2 998) and 94 km (59 miles) E of Luganville (population 133), Sanma, Vanuatu.
20 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 15 000 moderate, and 130 000 light.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
The quake was preceded by M4.7 at 02:50 UTC today, M4.9 at 03:54 UTC, and M5.2 at 05:04 UTC, and followed by M5.0 at 06:08 UTC.
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
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