M4.8 Depth: 146.7 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Shefa Province (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-07-21 22:33:01 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.8 earthquake was recorded near Shefa Province (Vanuatu) on July 21, 2026 at 22:33 UTC. The earthquake originated at an intermediate depth of about 147 km. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The data is provided by USGS and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Details

Magnitude

M4.8

Depth

146.7 km

UTC time

2026-07-21 22:33:01 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Shefa Province

City

Shefa Province

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-17.96750, 168.62040

Temperature

23.9°C

Map

Depth profile

Intermediate

146.7 km

146.7 km — deeper than the regional average (104.3 km)

Regional average: 104.3 km

Why depth matters

Intermediate-depth quakes are felt across a wider area but usually cause less surface damage.

Depth classes per USGS

Tectonic context

Located on the New Hebrides Plate.

Near the boundary New Hebrides ↔ Australia · about 130 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Nguna-Emau

Distance: 64 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 109 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Kuwae

Distance: 127 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 145 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 165 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu
Yasur

Distance: 195 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 361 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu

Historic earthquake map · Vanuatu

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Vanuatu

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

641

Country (24h)