M5.2 Earthquake 109 km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu — July 8, 2026
2026-07-08 11:42:51 UTC (1 hour ago) · approx. 10:42 PM UTC+11 local
Aftershock of the M5.8 mainshock.
On July 8, 2026 at 11:42 UTC, a magnitude 5.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 109 km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -20.3518°, 168.6887°. This earthquake was detected by 52 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 416, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 951 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.3 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 5.8 mainshock that occurred 3 hours ago 91 km SSW of Isangel, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 1 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
Earthquake Details
168.6887°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.2 earthquake near Isangel, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck 109 km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu on July 8, 2026 at 11:42 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 -20.3518°, 168.6887°, which is 109 km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.2 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.8 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred earlier 91 km SSW of Isangel, 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 5.2 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: us6000tawt). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, July 8, 2026). M5.2 Earthquake 109 km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu — July 8, 2026. Retrieved July 8, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000tawt/