M4.5 Earthquake in the Fiji region — May 20, 2026
2026-05-20 13:51:40 UTC (6 hours ago) · approx. 1:51 AM UTC-12 local
On May 20, 2026 at 13:51 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 deep-focus earthquake struck in the Fiji region, at a depth of 590.3 km and coordinates -20.8027°, -178.5997°. This earthquake was detected by 51 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 m — 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
-178.5997°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake in the Fiji region?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck in the Fiji region on May 20, 2026 at 13:51 UTC had a depth of 590.3 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -20.8027°, -178.5997°, which is in the Fiji region. 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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000syyi). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 20, 2026). M4.5 Earthquake in the Fiji region — May 20, 2026. Retrieved May 20, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000syyi/