M4.5 Earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region — March 21, 2026
2026-03-21 21:38:36 UTC (2026-03-21) · approx. 9:38 AM UTC-12 local
On March 21, 2026 at 21:38 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 shallow crustal earthquake struck in the Kermadec Islands region, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates -28.7632°, -176.5372°. This earthquake was detected by 13 seismic stations with moderate 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.
Earthquake Details
-176.5372°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region?
The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck in the Kermadec Islands region on March 21, 2026 at 21:38 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -28.7632°, -176.5372°, which is in the Kermadec Islands region.
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: us7000s94l). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, March 21, 2026). M4.5 Earthquake in the Kermadec Islands region — March 21, 2026. Retrieved May 20, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000s94l/