Loading seismic map...
A light magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 124 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 09:35:49 AM UTC. This shallow crustal event (43.2 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 239 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(124 km WNW of)4.8MB
Light Seismic Class
43.2km
Crustal Layer
13.412° S, 166.499° E
GPS Coordinates
239 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.8 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.
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 43.2 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.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.8. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Vanuatu are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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.