M4.9 Earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand

On April 25, 2026 at 23:35 UTC, a magnitude 4.9 shallow crustal earthquake struck near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, at a depth of 56.5 km and coordinates -30.2229°, -177.9059°. This earthquake was detected by 27 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 369, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 338 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.4 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred 12 days ago near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 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 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

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.9 earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand?

The magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand on April 25, 2026 at 23:35 UTC had a depth of 56.5 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -30.2229°, -177.9059°, 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 4.9 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.9 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

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 4.9 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.

M4.9 Earthquake near Kermadec Islands, New Zealand — April 25, 2026

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