M5.3 Earthquake Port-Vila, Vanuatu

On May 16, 2026 at 12:59 UTC, a magnitude 5.3 shallow crustal earthquake struck 94 km E of Port-Vila, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -17.8503°, 169.1937°. This earthquake was detected by 38 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 432, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.3 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 1 kilotons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.7 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 5.4 mainshock that occurred 13 hours ago 92 km E of Port-Vila, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 3 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

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.3 earthquake near Port-Vila, Vanuatu?

The magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck 94 km E of Port-Vila, Vanuatu on May 16, 2026 at 12:59 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -17.8503°, 169.1937°, which is 94 km E of Port-Vila, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.3 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.4 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 5.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.4 mainshock that occurred earlier 92 km E of Port-Vila, 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 5.3 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.

M5.3 Earthquake 94 km E of Port-Vila, Vanuatu — May 16, 2026

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