M5.0 Earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand — March 21, 2026
2026-03-21 10:25:58 UTC (2026-03-21) · approx. 10:25 PM UTC-12 local
On March 21, 2026 at 10:25 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -30.2244°, -177.2245°. This earthquake was detected by 33 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 477 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.7 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in New Zealand, a region characterized by the Hikurangi subduction zone in the North Island and the Alpine Fault in the South Island. The nearest mapped fault system is the Alpine Fault. View all earthquakes in New Zealand.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
-177.2245°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand?
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand on March 21, 2026 at 10:25 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -30.2244°, -177.2245°, which is near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. View all earthquakes in New Zealand.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.0 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Has New Zealand had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in New Zealand was the M8.2 Wairarapa earthquake of January 23, 1855. Today's magnitude 5.0 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: us6000si52). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, March 21, 2026). M5.0 Earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand — March 21, 2026. Retrieved May 13, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000si52/