M4.2 Earthquake 212 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji — May 21, 2024
2024-05-21 15:48:33 UTC (2024-05-21) · approx. 3:48 AM UTC-12 local
On May 21, 2024 at 15:48 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 deep-focus earthquake struck 212 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji, at a depth of 553.7 km and coordinates -17.6513°, -178.7250°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 m — 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 5.1 mainshock that occurred 22 hours ago 226 km E of Levuka, Fiji. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-178.7250°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Levuka, Fiji?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 212 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji on May 21, 2024 at 15:48 UTC had a depth of 553.7 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 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 226 km E of Levuka, Fiji. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000mniw). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2024, May 21, 2024). M4.2 Earthquake 212 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji — May 21, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000mniw/