M5.5 Earthquake 154 km W of Neiafu, Tonga — April 13, 2026
2026-04-13 02:15:01 UTC (6 days ago)
Felt by 3 people across nearby locations. Aftershock of the M7.5 mainshock.
On April 13, 2026 at 02:15 UTC, a magnitude 5.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 154 km W of Neiafu, Tonga, at a depth of 254.6 km and coordinates -18.4052°, -175.4263°. The earthquake was reported felt by 3 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 2.7 (weak). The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 30 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 466, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Neiafu (population 7,391).
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 7.5 mainshock that occurred 26 days ago 148 km W of Neiafu, Tonga. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 7 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for months to years as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
The epicenter is located in Tonga, a region characterized by the Tonga-Kermadec subduction zone, where the Pacific Plate descends at up to 240 mm per year — the fastest plate convergence on Earth. The nearest mapped fault system is the Tonga Trench. View all earthquakes in Tonga.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Nearest Populated Places
Earthquake Details
-175.4263°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.5 earthquake near Neiafu, Tonga?
The magnitude 5.5 earthquake that struck 154 km W of Neiafu, Tonga on April 13, 2026 at 02:15 UTC had a depth of 254.6 km. It was felt by 3 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 2.7 (weak). For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -18.4052°, -175.4263°, which is 154 km W of Neiafu, Tonga. The nearest populated place is Neiafu (population 7,391). View all earthquakes in Tonga.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.5 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M7.5 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 7.5 mainshock that occurred earlier 148 km W of Neiafu, Tonga. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Has Tonga had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Tonga was the M8.1 Tonga Trench earthquake of June 26, 1917. Today's magnitude 5.5 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.