4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 43 km SSE of Sola, VanuatuNovember 14, 2025

2025-11-14 19:25:49 UTC (2025-11-14) · approx. 6:25 AM UTC+11 local

MagnitudeM4.2(mb)
Time19:25 UTC6:25 AM UTC+11
Depth10.0 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates-14.259°, 167.657°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On November 14, 2025 at 19:25 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 43 km SSE of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -14.2592°, 167.6566°.

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 5 days ago 59 km NNE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. 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 -14.26°, 167.66°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mb
Depth
10.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
-14.2592°N
167.6566°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000rs6l
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
271
Stations Used
23
Azimuthal Gap
153.0°
Min Station Distance
1.260°
RMS Residual
1.35 sec
Last Updated
2026-02-10 15:55:15 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Sola, Vanuatu?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 43 km SSE of Sola, Vanuatu on November 14, 2025 at 19:25 UTC had a depth of 10.0 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.

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: us6000rs6l). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, November 14, 2025). M4.2 Earthquake 43 km SSE of Sola, VanuatuNovember 14, 2025. Retrieved February 10, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rs6l/