M4.6 Earthquake 38 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu — May 18, 2025
2025-05-18 19:59:07 UTC (2025-05-18) · approx. 6:59 AM UTC+11 local
Aftershock of the M5.1 mainshock.
On May 18, 2025 at 19:59 UTC, a magnitude 4.6 intermediate depth earthquake struck 38 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu, at a depth of 199.5 km and coordinates -14.1343°, 167.3171°. This earthquake was detected by 79 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 326, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 120 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 899 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 2 days ago 75 km WSW of Sola, 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
167.3171°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Sola, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck 38 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu on May 18, 2025 at 19:59 UTC had a depth of 199.5 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -14.1343°, 167.3171°, which is 38 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.6 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 4.6 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 75 km WSW of Sola, 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 4.6 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000q02c). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, May 18, 2025). M4.6 Earthquake 38 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu — May 18, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000q02c/