2024 Mahana Earthquake
 Epicentre of earthquake | |
 | |
| UTC time | 2024-03-17 05:45:25 |
|---|---|
| Local date | 17 March 2024 |
| Local time | 05:45:25 MST |
| Duration | 28 seconds |
| Magnitude | 7.8 Mw 8.1 Ms |
| Depth | 8.0 km (5.0 mi) |
| Epicenter | Southern Paranani Province, just north of Ghobari. |
| Fault | Main Samripen Thrust |
| Type | Thrust |
| Areas affected | |
| Max. intensity | X (Extreme) |
| Casualties | unknown |
On 17 March 2024, at 05:45:25 MST (21:00 CUT) a Mw 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Paranani Province of Mahana, with the epicentre just north of the populous city of Ghobari. The earthquake has been given a high Mercalli intensity of X (Extreme) around the epicentre and within Ghobari. Ongoing immediate response reports estimate the death toll to be within the tens of thousands, with injury numbers estimated to be even higher as thousands remain missing.
The Mw 7.8 earthquake is the largest recorded earthquake in Mahanan history, estimated to be even higher in magnitude than the 1916 Mahana Earthquake. It is also one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the Orient, only behind three other earthquakes, including the 2002 Tamurin Earthquake. It is believed to have been felt as far west as Mantella and as far north as the Chennipadu Region of Kotowari.
The estimated damages could be in excess of $5 billion according to the EII based upon satellite imagery of damages to major urban areas in and around Ghobari. The real number is yet to be confirmed.
Immediate responses from local authorities to the earthquake began at around 6:00 local time, with the Assembled Nations already issuing a statement in response to the disaster and pledging aid. Humanitarian NGO People's Plea had arrived in Mahana with emergency supplies by 14:00 local time.
Earthquake
The earthquake occurred at 17 March 2024 at exactly 05:45:25 MST, as picked up by the Ghoksila Seismic Monitoring Station in Kotowari, at a depth of approximately 8.0 kilometres (considered relatively shallow for an earthquake of this magnitude, thus being more damaging above ground).