M5.0 Earthquake 72 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu — May 31, 2026
2026-05-31 02:48:01 UTC (1 hour ago) · approx. 1:48 PM UTC+11 local
On May 31, 2026 at 02:48 UTC, a magnitude 5.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 72 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates -17.3616°, 167.7510°. This earthquake was detected by 24 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 385, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 477 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.7 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
167.7510°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.0 earthquake near Port-Vila, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake that struck 72 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu on May 31, 2026 at 02:48 UTC had a depth of 35.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -17.3616°, 167.7510°, which is 72 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu. View all earthquakes in Vanuatu.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.0 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks 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 5.0 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: us7000splm). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 31, 2026). M5.0 Earthquake 72 km NW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu — May 31, 2026. Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000splm/