M6.3 and M6.4 earthquakes hit off New Caledonia within 40 minutes - 17 M5.8 and M4.6 quakes follow in very shallow earthquake swarm





Again a strong earthquake swarm around the world! Today morning, two very shallow and strong M6.3 and M6.4 earthquakes hit at a depth of 10km off New Caledonia in an interval of approximately 40 minutes. Amazing! These first two quakes were followed by a series of 17 tremors ranging between M5.8 and M4.6. That’s a lot of pressure release again!

The earthquake swarm started at 00:28 UTC with a M6.3 earthquake:





earthquake swarm new caledonia october 16 2018, earthquake swarm new caledonia october 16 2018 map, A series of earthquakes swarmed off New Caledonia on October 16 2018
The earthquake swarm started with a M6.3 earthquake in New Caledonia. Map via USGS



This first strong and shallow quake was followed by a M6.4 earthquake less than 40 minutes after:


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The first M6.3 earthquake was followed by a M6.4 earthquake less than 40 minutes after. Map via USGS


There were no reports or danger of tsunami, but could have been very dangerous due to their shallow epicenters.