M4.1 Earthquake 58 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga — May 18, 2026
2026-05-18 04:19:45 UTC (2026-05-18) · approx. 4:19 PM UTC-12 local
On May 18, 2026 at 04:19 UTC, a magnitude 4.1 intermediate depth earthquake struck 58 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga, at a depth of 70.8 km and coordinates -16.3305°, -174.1817°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 21 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 406 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-174.1817°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.1 earthquake near Hihifo, Tonga?
The magnitude 4.1 earthquake that struck 58 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga on May 18, 2026 at 04:19 UTC had a depth of 70.8 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.1 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.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.1 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000t02t). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 18, 2026). M4.1 Earthquake 58 km SW of Hihifo, Tonga — May 18, 2026. Retrieved June 9, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000t02t/