M4.8 Earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand — May 28, 2025
2025-05-28 21:15:10 UTC (2025-05-28) · approx. 9:15 AM UTC-12 local
On May 28, 2025 at 21:15 UTC, a magnitude 4.8 intermediate depth earthquake struck near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, at a depth of 211.0 km and coordinates -29.4061°, -178.7471°. This earthquake was detected by 76 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 354, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 239 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.2 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in New Zealand, a region characterized by the Hikurangi subduction zone in the North Island and the Alpine Fault in the South Island. The nearest mapped fault system is the Alpine Fault. View all earthquakes in New Zealand.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
-178.7471°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand?
The magnitude 4.8 earthquake that struck near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand on May 28, 2025 at 21:15 UTC had a depth of 211.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -29.4061°, -178.7471°, which is near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. View all earthquakes in New Zealand.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.8 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Has New Zealand had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in New Zealand was the M8.2 Wairarapa earthquake of January 23, 1855. Today's magnitude 4.8 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000qgi9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, May 28, 2025). M4.8 Earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand — May 28, 2025. Retrieved August 16, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000qgi9/