M4.5 Earthquake in the Fiji region — January 20, 2026
2026-01-20 19:37:05 UTC (2026-01-20) · approx. 7:37 AM UTC-12 local
On January 20, 2026 at 19:37 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 deep-focus earthquake struck in the Fiji region, at a depth of 377.2 km and coordinates -17.9088°, -177.0513°. This earthquake was detected by 124 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
The epicenter is located in Fiji, a region characterized by the Fiji Fracture Zone at the junction of the Pacific and Australian plates, with deep-focus seismicity from the subducted slab. View all earthquakes in Fiji.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Earthquake Details
-177.0513°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake in the Fiji region?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck in the Fiji region on January 20, 2026 at 19:37 UTC had a depth of 377.2 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -17.9088°, -177.0513°, which is in the Fiji region. View all earthquakes in Fiji.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.5 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
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: us7000rqxr). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 20, 2026). M4.5 Earthquake in the Fiji region — January 20, 2026. Retrieved May 22, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000rqxr/