M4.9 Earthquake 125 km SSW of Gataivai, Samoa — October 15, 2025
2025-10-15 18:09:17 UTC (2025-10-15) · approx. 6:09 AM UTC-12 local
On October 15, 2025 at 18:09 UTC, a magnitude 4.9 shallow crustal earthquake struck 125 km SSW of Gataivai, Samoa, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -14.8362°, -172.7856°. This earthquake was detected by 36 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 369, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 338 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.4 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-172.7856°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Gataivai, Samoa?
The magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck 125 km SSW of Gataivai, Samoa on October 15, 2025 at 18:09 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -14.8362°, -172.7856°, which is 125 km SSW of Gataivai, Samoa.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000rlqj). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, October 15, 2025). M4.9 Earthquake 125 km SSW of Gataivai, Samoa — October 15, 2025. Retrieved May 27, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rlqj/