M4.2 Earthquake 280 km E of Sola, Vanuatu — April 3, 2026
2026-04-03 23:04:12 UTC (2026-04-03) · approx. 10:04 AM UTC+11 local
On April 3, 2026 at 23:04 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 deep-focus earthquake struck 280 km E of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 627.1 km and coordinates -14.1947°, 170.1236°.
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
170.1236°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Sola, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 280 km E of Sola, Vanuatu on April 3, 2026 at 23:04 UTC had a depth of 627.1 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: us6000smga). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, April 3, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 280 km E of Sola, Vanuatu — April 3, 2026. Retrieved May 19, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000smga/