M4.8 Depth: 172.3 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Sanma (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-07-20 12:53:51 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On July 20, 2026 at 12:53 UTC, a magnitude M4.8 earthquake occurred near Sanma (Vanuatu). At around 172 km, the focal depth places this among intermediate-depth events. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The event was recorded by USGS.

Details

Magnitude

M4.8

Depth

172.3 km

UTC time

2026-07-20 12:53:51 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Sanma

City

Sanma

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-14.63520, 167.29980

Temperature

25.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Intermediate

172.3 km

172.3 km — deeper than the regional average (113.4 km)

Regional average: 113.4 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 ↔ Pacific · about 111 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Gaua

Distance: 46 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 729 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Vanuatu
Suretamatai

Distance: 95 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 921 m ·Last eruption: 1966 ·Vanuatu
Ambae

Distance: 102 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'496 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Motlav

Distance: 115 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 411 m ·Vanuatu
Ambrym

Distance: 200 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 236 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·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)

630

Country (24h)