M5.1 Earthquake 75 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands — September 12, 2025
2025-09-12 17:29:44 UTC (2025-09-12) · approx. 4:29 AM UTC+11 local
Aftershock of the M5.6 mainshock.
On September 12, 2025 at 17:29 UTC, a magnitude 5.1 shallow crustal earthquake struck 75 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands, at a depth of 61.3 km and coordinates -10.7629°, 165.1071°. This earthquake was detected by 138 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 400, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 674 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 2.0 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 5.6 mainshock that occurred 16 days ago 88 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
165.1071°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.1 earthquake near Lata, Solomon Islands?
The magnitude 5.1 earthquake that struck 75 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands on September 12, 2025 at 17:29 UTC had a depth of 61.3 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -10.7629°, 165.1071°, which is 75 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.1 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.6 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.1 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.6 mainshock that occurred earlier 88 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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: us7000qvra). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, September 12, 2025). M5.1 Earthquake 75 km W of Lata, Solomon Islands — September 12, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000qvra/