M4.2 Earthquake 48 km SW of Ialibu, Papua New Guinea — January 26, 2026
2026-01-26 17:57:17 UTC (2026-01-26) · approx. 3:57 AM UTC+10 local
On January 26, 2026 at 17:57 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 48 km SW of Ialibu, Papua New Guinea, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -6.6303°, 143.7310°.
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.
Earthquake Details
143.7310°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Ialibu, Papua New Guinea?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 48 km SW of Ialibu, Papua New Guinea on January 26, 2026 at 17:57 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.
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.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000s831). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 26, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 48 km SW of Ialibu, Papua New Guinea — January 26, 2026. Retrieved May 15, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000s831/