4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 246 km E of Levuka, FijiApril 26, 2024

2024-04-26 21:21:20 UTC (2024-04-26) · approx. 9:21 AM UTC-12 local

MagnitudeM4.2(mb)
Time21:21 UTC9:21 AM UTC-12
Depth589.1 kmdeep-focus
Coordinates-17.938°, -178.362°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On April 26, 2024 at 21:21 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 deep-focus earthquake struck 246 km E of Levuka, Fiji, at a depth of 589.1 km and coordinates -17.9375°, -178.3624°.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred 1 day ago 226 km E of Levuka, Fiji. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -17.94°, -178.36°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mb
Depth
589.1 km
deep-focus
Location
-17.9375°N
-178.3624°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000mw3j
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
271
Stations Used
20
Azimuthal Gap
80.0°
Min Station Distance
2.608°
RMS Residual
0.58 sec
Last Updated
2024-07-02 22:12:51 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Levuka, Fiji?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 246 km E of Levuka, Fiji on April 26, 2024 at 21:21 UTC had a depth of 589.1 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 226 km E of Levuka, Fiji. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000mw3j). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, April 26, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 246 km E of Levuka, FijiApril 26, 2024. Retrieved July 2, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000mw3j/