4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 187 km SE of Lata, Solomon Islands — October 29, 2025

2025-10-29 23:13:50 UTC (2025-10-29) · approx. 10:13 AM UTC+11 local

MagnitudeM4.2(mb)
Time23:13 UTC≈ 10:13 AM UTC+11
Depth341.3 kmdeep-focus
Coordinates-12.098°, 166.811°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On October 29, 2025 at 23:13 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 deep-focus earthquake struck 187 km SE of Lata, Solomon Islands, at a depth of 341.3 km and coordinates -12.0976°, 166.8112°.

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 182 km SE of Lata, 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.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -12.10°, 166.81°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mb
Depth
341.3 km
deep-focus
Location
-12.0976°N
166.8112°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000rp67
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
271
Stations Used
24
Azimuthal Gap
159.0°
Min Station Distance
8.747°
RMS Residual
0.39 sec
Last Updated
2026-01-27 17:59:09 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Lata, Solomon Islands?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 187 km SE of Lata, Solomon Islands on October 29, 2025 at 23:13 UTC had a depth of 341.3 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 182 km SE of Lata, Solomon Islands. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000rp67). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, October 29, 2025). M4.2 Earthquake 187 km SE of Lata, Solomon Islands — October 29, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rp67/