M4.8 Depth: 564.3 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Lau, Eastern (Fiji)

UTC time: 2026-08-20 12:27:36 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.8 earthquake was recorded near Lau, Eastern (Fiji) on August 20, 2026 at 12:27 UTC. At roughly 564 km, the focus was very deep, so surface shaking tends to be weaker. 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

564.3 km

UTC time

2026-08-20 12:27:36 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Fiji

State

Eastern

City

Lau

County

Lau

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-17.79710, -178.65170

Temperature

22.4°C

Map

Depth profile

Deep

564.3 km

564.3 km — close to the regional average (574.4 km)

Regional average: 574.4 km

Why depth matters

Deep quakes are felt over very large areas but rarely cause surface damage.

Depth classes per USGS

Tectonic context

Located on the Australia Plate.

Near the boundary Niuafoʻou ↔ Australia · about 204 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Taveuni

Distance: 175 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'241 m ·Last eruption: 1550 ·Fiji
Lobster

Distance: 373 km ·Shield ·Elevation: -1'500 m ·Tonga
Niuafo'ou

Distance: 404 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 260 m ·Last eruption: 1946 ·Tonga
Dugong

Distance: 408 km ·Shield ·Elevation: -1'170 m ·Tonga
Lateiki

Distance: 427 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 43 m ·Last eruption: 2019 ·Tonga
Home Reef

Distance: 430 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -10 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Tonga

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