Strong 6.3 Earthquake Near the Fiji Islands
A strong magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck south of the Fiji Islands on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 09:20:47 PM UTC. This intermediate focal depth (269.8 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 43 kt of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(south of)Seismic Telemetry Specifications
6.3MWC
Strong Seismic Class
269.8km
Upper Mantle
26.064° S, 178.391° W
GPS Coordinates
43 kt
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 6.3 event is classified as a strong earthquake. Can be destructive in populated areas up to ~160 km from the epicenter. Well-built structures withstand shaking, but unreinforced masonry may suffer serious damage.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Felt by nearly everyone. Sleeping people awakened; small unstable objects overturned.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Fiji Islands.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 6.3 Mean?
Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Logarithmic Energy Multiplier
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
Fiji Islands's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Located on the Fiji Microplate between the Pacific Plate and Indo-Australian Plate; home to Earth most concentrated deep-focus (400–700 km) earthquake zone in the Lau Basin. Major regional fault structures include Fiji Fracture Zone, Hunter Fracture Zone, Tonga-Fiji Subduction Slab.
Originating at a depth of 269.8 km (Upper Mantle / Wadati-Benioff Zone (70–300 km)), this rupture occurred originated within the descending oceanic plate inside the upper mantle. shaking radiates over a wider geographic area with attenuated high frequencies.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Following an earthquake of magnitude 6.3, an active aftershock sequence is expected over the coming days and weeks. In accordance with Omori's Law and Båth's Law of seismology, secondary tremors decrease in frequency over time, with the largest expected aftershock historically averaging approximately 1.0 to 1.2 magnitude units below the mainshock. Local residents should remain vigilant for secondary shaking, particularly when inspecting older structures or unreinforced masonry.
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Earthquake Safety Action Plan
Complete Safety Guide →- •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
- •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
- •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
- •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
- •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
- •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
- •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
- •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
- •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.
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