M5.2 Earthquake Isangel, Vanuatu

On December 18, 2025 at 01:59 UTC, a magnitude 5.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 91 km S of Isangel, Vanuatu, at a depth of 61.5 km and coordinates -20.3697°, 169.2956°. This earthquake was detected by 53 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 416, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 951 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.3 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 5.8 mainshock that occurred 3 days ago 91 km SSW of Isangel, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 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 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

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Isangel, Vanuatu?

The magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck 91 km S of Isangel, Vanuatu on December 18, 2025 at 01:59 UTC had a depth of 61.5 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -20.3697°, 169.2956°, which is 91 km S of Isangel, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.2 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.8 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 5.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred earlier 91 km SSW of Isangel, Vanuatu. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

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 5.2 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.

M5.2 Earthquake 91 km S of Isangel, Vanuatu — December 18, 2025

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