M4.5 Earthquake 78 km ESE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu — May 16, 2026
2026-05-16 16:12:05 UTC (2026-05-16) · approx. 3:12 AM UTC+11 local
On May 16, 2026 at 16:12 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 shallow crustal earthquake struck 78 km ESE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -17.9226°, 169.0273°. This earthquake was detected by 17 seismic stations with moderate 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 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
169.0273°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Port-Vila, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 78 km ESE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu on May 16, 2026 at 16:12 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -17.9226°, 169.0273°, which is 78 km ESE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
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.
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 4.5 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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000szhq). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 16, 2026). M4.5 Earthquake 78 km ESE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu — May 16, 2026. Retrieved June 11, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000szhq/