M5.1 Earthquake 159 km WNW of Lautoka, Fiji — May 20, 2026
2026-05-20 09:40:32 UTC (11 hours ago) · approx. 9:40 PM UTC+12 local
On May 20, 2026 at 09:40 UTC, a magnitude 5.1 shallow crustal earthquake struck 159 km WNW of Lautoka, Fiji, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -17.3120°, 175.9863°. This earthquake was detected by 29 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 400, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 674 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.0 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
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
Earthquake Details
175.9863°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.1 earthquake near Lautoka, Fiji?
The magnitude 5.1 earthquake that struck 159 km WNW of Lautoka, Fiji on May 20, 2026 at 09:40 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 -17.3120°, 175.9863°, which is 159 km WNW of Lautoka, Fiji. View all earthquakes in Fiji.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.1 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks 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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000syxz). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 20, 2026). M5.1 Earthquake 159 km WNW of Lautoka, Fiji — May 20, 2026. Retrieved May 20, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000syxz/