M5.1 Depth: 10.0 km

M5.1 Earthquake near Vanuatu Islands (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2025-07-18 10:17:53 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M5.1 earthquake was recorded near Vanuatu Islands (Vanuatu) on July 18, 2025 at 10:17 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 10 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Events of this size can cause damage near the epicenter.

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

Details

Magnitude

M5.1

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2025-07-18 10:17:53 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

City

Tafea

Source

gfz

Coordinates

-19.08000, 169.83000

Temperature

23.9°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (111.2 km)

Regional average: 111.2 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

Nearby population centers

Distances are straight-line distances from the epicenter. Population data: GeoNames.

PlaceDistanceDirectionPopulation

Port Vila218.9 kmNW35'901

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Volcanoes nearby

Yasur

Distance: 64 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 361 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 72 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Gemini-Oscostar

Distance: 211 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -33 m ·Last eruption: 1996 ·Vanuatu
Nguna-Emau

Distance: 239 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Kuwae

Distance: 286 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 307 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Vanuatu

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.

Magnitude rank#3

Earlier events M≥417

Earlier events M≥56

Compared since2025-01-21

The QuakeMap24 comparison dataset begins on 2024-03-23. Earlier earthquakes may not be included.

Strongest earlier events

M5.72025-03-28 01:20:04 UTC110.1 km66 km NW of Isangel, Vanuatu M5.22025-07-03 13:39:28 UTC116.7 kmVanuatu Islands M5.12025-07-18 10:17:52 UTC12.1 kmVANUATU M5.12025-02-21 07:20:55 UTC104.1 km35 km W of Isangel, Vanuatu M5.02025-07-03 13:39:22 UTC122.6 km78 km NW of Isangel, 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)

656

Country (24h)