M4.4 Earthquake 130 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu — February 3, 2025
2025-02-03 21:11:31 UTC (2025-02-03) · approx. 8:11 AM UTC+11 local
On February 3, 2025 at 21:11 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 shallow crustal earthquake struck 130 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -14.5452°, 165.9701°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 60 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 655 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 6.0 mainshock that occurred 4 days ago 165 km NW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 14 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
165.9701°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Port-Olry, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 130 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu on February 3, 2025 at 21:11 UTC had a depth of 10.0 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 4.4 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M6.0 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.4 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 165 km NW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.4 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000pcyh). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, February 3, 2025). M4.4 Earthquake 130 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu — February 3, 2025. Retrieved April 15, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000pcyh/