M4.7 Earthquake 29 km SE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu — March 31, 2026
2026-03-31 10:03:47 UTC (2026-03-31) · approx. 9:03 PM UTC+11 local
On March 31, 2026 at 10:03 UTC, a magnitude 4.7 shallow crustal earthquake struck 29 km SE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu, at a depth of 59.1 km and coordinates -16.2565°, 167.6355°. This earthquake was detected by 39 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 340, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.7 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 169 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.1 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
167.6355°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Lakatoro, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.7 earthquake that struck 29 km SE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu on March 31, 2026 at 10:03 UTC had a depth of 59.1 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -16.2565°, 167.6355°, which is 29 km SE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.7 earthquakes can continue for several days 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 4.7 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: us7000s92b). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, March 31, 2026). M4.7 Earthquake 29 km SE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu — March 31, 2026. Retrieved May 8, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000s92b/