M4.2 Earthquake 71 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu — September 8, 2025
2025-09-08 15:35:54 UTC (2025-09-08) · approx. 2:35 AM UTC+11 local
On September 8, 2025 at 15:35 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 71 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 171.5 km and coordinates -14.3933°, 167.1544°.
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 12 days ago 59 km NNE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
167.1544°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Sola, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 71 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu on September 8, 2025 at 15:35 UTC had a depth of 171.5 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 59 km NNE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000re9r). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, September 8, 2025). M4.2 Earthquake 71 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu — September 8, 2025. Retrieved November 30, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000re9r/