Light 4.9 Earthquake Near Sola, Vanuatu
A light magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck 147 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 09:35:46 AM UTC. This shallow crustal event (16.9 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 338 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(147 km WNW of)Seismic Telemetry Specifications
4.9MB
Light Seismic Class
16.9km
Crustal Layer
13.283° S, 166.336° E
GPS Coordinates
338 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 4.9 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.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Vanuatu.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 4.9 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?
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 16.9 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.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.9. 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.
Never Miss Earthquake Updates on Google
Google Search FeatureAdd 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.
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.
Explore Related Seismic Activity
Monitor live earthquakes, historical magnitude leaders, and regional tectonic activity across the globe.