M4.7 Earthquake 63 km ESE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu — June 15, 2026
2026-06-15 21:20:42 UTC (2026-06-15) · approx. 8:20 AM UTC+11 local
On June 15, 2026 at 21:20 UTC, a magnitude 4.7 intermediate depth earthquake struck 63 km ESE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu, at a depth of 189.4 km and coordinates -16.2729°, 167.9825°. This earthquake was detected by 34 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
167.9825°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.7 earthquake near Lakatoro, Vanuatu?
The magnitude 4.7 earthquake that struck 63 km ESE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu on June 15, 2026 at 21:20 UTC had a depth of 189.4 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -16.2729°, 167.9825°, which is 63 km ESE 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: us7000sumg). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, June 15, 2026). M4.7 Earthquake 63 km ESE of Lakatoro, Vanuatu — June 15, 2026. Retrieved June 26, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000sumg/