Loading seismic map...
A moderate magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck 115 km WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 08:32:36 AM UTC. This shallow crustal event (10.0 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 477 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(115 km WNW of)5.0MB
Moderate Seismic Class
10.0km
Crustal Layer
19.249° S, 168.231° E
GPS Coordinates
477 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 5.0 event is classified as a moderate earthquake. Can cause slight to moderate damage to poorly constructed buildings. Felt widely across nearby communities within dozens of kilometers.
Felt by many indoors. Dishes, windows rattle; walls make creaking sound.
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Vanuatu.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Vanuatu's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Indo-Australian Plate subducting eastward beneath the Pacific Plate along the active New Hebrides Trench. Major regional fault structures include New Hebrides Trench, Central New Hebrides Fault Zone.
Originating at a depth of 10.0 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Following an earthquake of magnitude 5.0, 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.
Add Earthquake Today as a Preferred Source in Google to see real-time seismic alerts, epicenter maps, and aftershock telemetry highlighted in Top Stories & AI Overviews.
Monitor live earthquakes, historical magnitude leaders, and regional tectonic activity across the globe.