M4.8 Earthquake 277 km SW of Houma, Tonga — November 22, 2025
2025-11-22 21:50:36 UTC (2025-11-22) · approx. 9:50 AM UTC-12 local
Aftershock of the M5.7 mainshock.
On November 22, 2025 at 21:50 UTC, a magnitude 4.8 intermediate depth earthquake struck 277 km SW of Houma, Tonga, at a depth of 170.2 km and coordinates -23.1093°, -177.0071°. This earthquake was detected by 20 seismic stations with good 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.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.7 mainshock that occurred 12 days ago 286 km SW of Houma, Tonga. 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.
The epicenter is located in Tonga, a region characterized by the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone, where the Pacific Plate descends at up to 240 mm per year — the fastest plate convergence on Earth. The nearest mapped fault system is the Tonga Trench. View all earthquakes in Tonga.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
-177.0071°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Houma, Tonga?
The magnitude 4.8 earthquake that struck 277 km SW of Houma, Tonga on November 22, 2025 at 21:50 UTC had a depth of 170.2 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -23.1093°, -177.0071°, which is 277 km SW of Houma, Tonga. View all earthquakes in Tonga.
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.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.7 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.8 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.7 mainshock that occurred earlier 286 km SW of Houma, Tonga. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Has Tonga had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Tonga was the M8.1 Tonga Trench earthquake of June 26, 1917. Today's magnitude 4.8 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
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: us6000rpvn). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, November 22, 2025). M4.8 Earthquake 277 km SW of Houma, Tonga — November 22, 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rpvn/