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M4.9 Depth: 22.8 km

M4.9 Earthquake near Gisborne (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-08-06 21:17:29 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.9 earthquake was recorded near Gisborne (New Zealand) on August 6, 2026 at 21:17 UTC. With a focal depth of about 23 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The data is provided by USGS and cross-checked across seismological networks. New Zealand: 4 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M4.1.

Details

Magnitude
M4.9
Depth
22.8 km
UTC time
2026-08-06 21:17:29 UTC
Local time
—
Country
New Zealand
State
Gisborne
City
Gisborne
Source
usgs
Coordinates
-38.23080, 178.54150
Temperature
9.7°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 22.8 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 22.8 km
Shallow
22.8 km
22.8 km — shallower than the regional average (70.5 km)
Regional average: 70.5 km
Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Estimated impact

Green No or minimal impact expected.
Estimated population exposed
IV 3'092

Ground shaking

IV
Light · Intensity (MMI) IV
Felt by many, no damage.

Tectonic context

Located on the Kermadec Plate.
Near the boundary Kermadec ↔ Pacific · about 80 km away

Volcanoes nearby

  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 143 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 178 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Clark
    Distance: 208 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -860 m ·New Zealand
  • Tangaroa
    Distance: 217 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -600 m ·New Zealand
  • Tuhua/Mayor Island
    Distance: 228 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 355 m ·Last eruption: -5055 ·New Zealand
  • Rumble V
    Distance: 234 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -400 m ·New Zealand

Historic earthquake map · New Zealand

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

Country statistics · New Zealand

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

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