Friday, April 28, 2017

Powerful 6.8 Quake Hits Near Coast Of Philippines, Cluster Of Tremors In Central Chile Unnerves Locals




Powerful 6.8 Earthquake Off the Coast of the Philippines


A massive earthquake occurred on Saturday morning near Mindanao, according to the US Geological Survey.

The quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers at about 4:23 a.m. local time. 
Meteorologists said a quake of this power could produce tsunami waves along the Filippino coast.
It was first reported to be a 7.2 magnitude quake until it was later revised as 6.8. 
​The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center announced "dangerous waves" could be imminent for everything within a 300 km radius of the earthquake's origins.
The epicenter was about 21 miles southwest of the town of Pangyan, the USGS reported. 
There have been no reports of destruction or casualties caused by the tremor. 
Residents of Hawai'i have been assured this event won't lead to a Pacific-wide tsunami, according to a journalist in Maui.




A very strong and shallow M6.8 earthquake hit off the coast of Mindanao, Philippines at 20:23 UTC on April 28, 2017 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles).

There are 1 802 246 people living within 100 km (62 miles) of the epicenter. Officials say there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii or the west coast of the United States.

EMSC is reporting M7.2 at a depth of 40 km (24 miles). GFZ Potsdam is reporting M6.8 at a depth of 37 km (22.9 miles).
Based on the preliminary earthquake parameters (M7.2), hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts located within 300 km (186 miles) of the earthquake epicenter.
However, officials said there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii or the west coast of the United States.





 A cluster of tremors shook central Chile on Friday afternoon, leaving locals worried that a bigger earthquake may be imminent and prompting some early closures of schools and workplaces.
At least seven tremors struck offshore the coastal city of Valparaiso in less than an hour, with the largest rattling buildings in the Chilean capital Santiago some 102 kilometers (63 miles) away.
The United States Geological Survey said the most powerful tremor, which hit at around 1:05 p.m. local time (1605 GMT), was magnitude 5.7, with a depth of 9 miles (14 km) and an epicenter 12 miles (20 km) west of Valparaiso.
No damage was reported by the emergency office and the navy said the quake had not been severe enough to cause a tsunami.
But worried locals hurried home from work and schools were told to finish early.
"This chain of tremors has caused a lot of worry and families want to be together," Valparaiso city Mayor Jorge Sharp said in broadcast comments. Authorities advised citizens to ensure that they had emergency kits ready.
Chile, on the Pacific 'ring of fire', is one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world. Builders follow strict construction codes and Chileans are usually stoic about the country's regular tremors.
But the string of tremors on Friday follows an entire week of smaller ones centered close to Valparaiso after a 6.9 magnitude quake offshore on Monday.



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