4.5

M4.5 Earthquake south of the Fiji IslandsApril 16, 2026

2026-04-16 18:07:37 UTC (2 days ago)

On April 16, 2026 at 18:07 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 deep-focus earthquake struck south of the Fiji Islands, at a depth of 550.5 km and coordinates -23.4952°, -179.9118°. This earthquake was detected by 26 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

The epicenter is located in Fiji, a region characterized by the Fiji Fracture Zone at the junction of the Pacific and Australian plates, with deep-focus seismicity from the subducted slab. View all earthquakes in Fiji.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -23.50°, -179.91°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.5 mb
Depth
550.5 km
deep-focus
Location
-23.4952°N
-179.9118°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sqli
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
312
Stations Used
26
Azimuthal Gap
166.0°
Min Station Distance
6.030°
RMS Residual
0.80 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-16 18:26:14 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake south of the Fiji Islands?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck south of the Fiji Islands on April 16, 2026 at 18:07 UTC had a depth of 550.5 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -23.4952°, -179.9118°, which is south of the Fiji Islands. View all earthquakes in Fiji.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.5 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.