M4.6 Earthquake in the Vanuatu region — December 23, 2024
2024-12-23 15:37:05 UTC (2024-12-23) · approx. 2:37 AM UTC+11 local
On December 23, 2024 at 15:37 UTC, a magnitude 4.6 deep-focus earthquake struck in the Vanuatu region, at a depth of 643.0 km and coordinates -14.3931°, 170.5132°. This earthquake was detected by 48 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 326, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 120 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 899 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in Vanuatu, a region characterized by the New Hebrides subduction zone, where the Australian Plate subducts eastward at approximately 90 mm per year. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
170.5132°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.6 earthquake in the Vanuatu region?
The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck in the Vanuatu region on December 23, 2024 at 15:37 UTC had a depth of 643.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -14.3931°, 170.5132°, which is in the Vanuatu region. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.6 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Has Vanuatu had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Vanuatu was the M7.9 Vanuatu earthquake of October 7, 2009. Today's magnitude 4.6 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000phnc). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, December 23, 2024). M4.6 Earthquake in the Vanuatu region — December 23, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000phnc/