M5.0 Earthquake 31 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu — April 22, 2026
2026-04-22 13:20:45 UTC (3 hours ago)
Aftershock of the M5.1 mainshock.
On April 22, 2026 at 13:20 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 intermediate depth earthquake struck 31 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu, at a depth of 120.2 km and coordinates -15.4409°, 167.4412°. This earthquake was detected by 90 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred 23 days ago 53 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
The epicenter is located in Vanuatu, a region characterized by the New Hebrides subduction zone, where the Australian Plate subducts eastward at approximately 90 mm per year. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
167.4412°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Luganville, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 31 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu on April 22, 2026 at 13:20 UTC had a depth of 120.2 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -15.4409°, 167.4412°, which is 31 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
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.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.0 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 53 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Has Vanuatu had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Vanuatu was the M7.9 Vanuatu earthquake of October 7, 2009. 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.