A 6.0 magnitude quake occurred near Sola on Friday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

The USGS reported a tremor in the region at 21:37 UTC (08:37 local time). The epicenter was roughly 55 km west of Sola, at a depth of 15 km.

Did you feel it?

You can let the USGS know if you experienced the earthquake by filling out their Felt Report form. The agency has so far received 3 reports via its online form from people who say they felt weak shaking. The USGS DYFI report indicates that several residents in Luganville and the surrounding area experienced the quake.

Impact and estimated losses

The USGS categorized this as a Green Alert, which means there is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Structure information summary

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.

Last week’s tremor

There was one earthquake of magnitude 4.8 centered in the region, which was recorded close to Port-Olry on Jul. 20.

Source: The U.S. Geological Survey