Recent earthquakes in Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands lie along a highly active subduction zone where the Australian and Pacific plates converge, marked by the San Cristobal and New Britain trenches. Large earthquakes and tsunamis are common across the archipelago. The 2007 Solomon Islands earthquake (M8.1) uplifted parts of the seafloor and coastline and generated a deadly local tsunami. In the past 24 hours, Solomon Islands has recorded 1 earthquake, the largest an M4.9 (69 km WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.9 | Oct 27, 02:02 UTC | 35 km | 69 km WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands |
Notable recent activity
An M4.9 earthquake struck 69 km WSW of Kirakira, Solomon Islands at 02:02 UTC on Oct 27 at a depth of 35 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why do the Solomon Islands have earthquakes?
The Solomon Islands sit on the boundary where the Australian and Pacific plates collide, subducting along nearby trenches. This convergence produces frequent large earthquakes and volcanic activity throughout the island chain.
Do the Solomon Islands get tsunamis?
Yes. Shallow offshore earthquakes here can generate tsunamis with very little warning time, as in 2007 and 2013. Coastal villages are the most exposed, and strong shaking is treated as a natural warning to seek high ground.
What was the biggest earthquake in the Solomon Islands?
The April 2, 2007 earthquake, magnitude 8.1, ruptured the subduction zone and generated a tsunami that killed dozens and permanently uplifted parts of the coastline. It is among the largest recorded in the region.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.