M4.0 Earthquake 16 km S of Kirakira, Solomon Islands — May 22, 2025
2025-05-22 17:44:47 UTC (2025-05-22) · approx. 4:44 AM UTC+11 local
On May 22, 2025 at 17:44 UTC, a magnitude 4.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 16 km S of Kirakira, Solomon Islands, at a depth of 66.9 km and coordinates -10.5996°, 161.9082°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 15 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 347 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 9 days ago 14 km NW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
161.9082°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.0 earthquake near Kirakira, Solomon Islands?
The magnitude 4.0 earthquake that struck 16 km S of Kirakira, Solomon Islands on May 22, 2025 at 17:44 UTC had a depth of 66.9 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 4.0 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 4.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 14 km NW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.0 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000qi6n). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, May 22, 2025). M4.0 Earthquake 16 km S of Kirakira, Solomon Islands — May 22, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000qi6n/