M4.5 Earthquake 74 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands — November 22, 2025
2025-11-22 17:56:09 UTC (2025-11-22) · approx. 4:56 AM UTC+11 local
Aftershock of the M5.0 mainshock.
On November 22, 2025 at 17:56 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 74 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands, at a depth of 88.9 km and coordinates -10.2779°, 161.2594°. This earthquake was detected by 24 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 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 5.0 mainshock that occurred 13 days ago 81 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
161.2594°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Kirakira, Solomon Islands?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 74 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands on November 22, 2025 at 17:56 UTC had a depth of 88.9 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -10.2779°, 161.2594°, which is 74 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.5 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 81 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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: us6000rtxy). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, November 22, 2025). M4.5 Earthquake 74 km WNW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands — November 22, 2025. Retrieved May 25, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rtxy/