Recent earthquakes in Vanuatu
Vanuatu sits along the New Hebrides subduction zone, where the Australian Plate dives beneath the Pacific Plate, making it one of the most seismically active nations per unit area on Earth. Large earthquakes and active volcanoes are routine across the archipelago. Magnitude 7 earthquakes occur here more often than almost anywhere else. In the past 24 hours, Vanuatu has recorded 2 earthquakes, the largest an M4.9 (147 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu).
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.7 | Sep 12, 15:56 UTC | 188 km | 46 km NNE of Port-Olry, Vanuatu |
| M4.9 | Sep 12, 09:35 UTC | 17 km | 147 km WNW of Sola, Vanuatu |
| M4.9 | Sep 11, 02:28 UTC | 19 km | 69 km N of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| M4.9 | Sep 10, 22:54 UTC | 50 km | 65 km NNW of Sola, Vanuatu |
| M4.7 | Sep 9, 20:21 UTC | 105 km | 164 km SSE of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| M4.9 | Sep 9, 19:15 UTC | 10 km | 83 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| M5.1 | Sep 9, 17:18 UTC | 10 km | 86 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| M5.2 | Sep 9, 17:01 UTC | 10 km | 78 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| M5.1 | Sep 8, 00:52 UTC | 10 km | 92 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| M4.6 | Sep 5, 23:46 UTC | 240 km | 71 km N of Isangel, Vanuatu |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.2 earthquake struck 78 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu at 17:01 UTC on Sep 9 at a depth of 10 km.
A moderate M5.1 earthquake struck 86 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu at 17:18 UTC on Sep 9 at a depth of 10 km.
A moderate M5.1 earthquake struck 92 km ESE of Isangel, Vanuatu at 00:52 UTC on Sep 8 at a depth of 10 km.
Frequently asked questions
How active is Vanuatu seismically?
Vanuatu is among the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth relative to its size, routinely recording magnitude 6 and 7 events along the New Hebrides Trench. Its population is small and dispersed, so many large offshore quakes cause limited damage.
Why does Vanuatu have earthquakes and volcanoes?
The Australian Plate subducts beneath the New Hebrides island arc that makes up Vanuatu. This subduction generates frequent earthquakes and feeds a chain of active volcanoes running through the archipelago.
Has Vanuatu had major earthquakes?
Vanuatu experiences large earthquakes frequently. A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near the capital, Port Vila, in December 2024, causing significant damage — a reminder that even a highly active but sparsely populated country faces serious urban risk.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.