4.4

M4.4 Earthquake 219 km E of Levuka, FijiDecember 29, 2025

2025-12-29 23:04:10 UTC (2025-12-29) · approx. 11:04 AM UTC-12 local

MagnitudeM4.4(mb)
Time23:04 UTC11:04 AM UTC-12
Depth598.5 kmdeep-focus
Coordinates-18.101°, -178.608°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On December 29, 2025 at 23:04 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 deep-focus earthquake struck 219 km E of Levuka, Fiji, at a depth of 598.5 km and coordinates -18.1013°, -178.6083°.

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 5.0 mainshock that occurred 13 hours ago 215 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 3 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -18.10°, -178.61°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.4 mb
Depth
598.5 km
deep-focus
Location
-18.1013°N
-178.6083°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us7000rqwe
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
298
Stations Used
30
Azimuthal Gap
165.0°
Min Station Distance
2.517°
RMS Residual
0.47 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-01 22:49:05 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Levuka, Fiji?

The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 219 km E of Levuka, Fiji on December 29, 2025 at 23:04 UTC had a depth of 598.5 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 M5.0 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.4 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 215 km ENE of Levuka, Fiji. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.4 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000rqwe). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, December 29, 2025). M4.4 Earthquake 219 km E of Levuka, FijiDecember 29, 2025. Retrieved April 1, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000rqwe/