M4.7 Earthquake 159 km NNW of Sola, Vanuatu — December 13, 2025
2025-12-13 18:53:54 UTC (2025-12-13) · approx. 5:53 AM UTC+11 local
On December 13, 2025 at 18:53 UTC, a magnitude 4.7 intermediate depth earthquake struck 159 km NNW of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 201.2 km and coordinates -12.5365°, 167.0174°. This earthquake was detected by 147 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 340, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.7 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 169 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.1 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in Vanuatu, a region characterized by the New Hebrides subduction zone, where the Australian Plate subducts eastward at approximately 90 mm per year. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
167.0174°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Sola, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.7 earthquake that struck 159 km NNW of Sola, Vanuatu on December 13, 2025 at 18:53 UTC had a depth of 201.2 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -12.5365°, 167.0174°, which is 159 km NNW of Sola, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.7 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Has Vanuatu had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Vanuatu was the M7.9 Vanuatu earthquake of October 7, 2009. Today's magnitude 4.7 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: us6000rupk). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, December 13, 2025). M4.7 Earthquake 159 km NNW of Sola, Vanuatu — December 13, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000rupk/