M5.0 Earthquake 34 km SSW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu — September 12, 2025
2025-09-12 04:50:35 UTC (2025-09-12) · approx. 3:50 PM UTC+11 local
On September 12, 2025 at 04:50 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 34 km SSW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -16.3977°, 167.3376°. This earthquake was detected by 31 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 477 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.7 km — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
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
167.3376°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Lakatoro, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 34 km SSW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu on September 12, 2025 at 04:50 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 -16.3977°, 167.3376°, which is 34 km SSW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.0 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
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 5.0 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: us7000qvmd). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, September 12, 2025). M5.0 Earthquake 34 km SSW of Lakatoro, Vanuatu — September 12, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000qvmd/