M6.0 Depth: 44.6 km

M6.0 Earthquake near Torba (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-07-24 21:37:56 UTC Local time: —

M6.0 earthquake near Torba on Jul 24, 2026 — map of epicenter and shaking intensity | QuakeMap24 — M6.0 Earthquake near Torba (Vanuatu) · 2026-07-24 21:37:56 UTC

About this earthquake

On July 24, 2026 at 21:37 UTC, a magnitude M6.0 earthquake occurred near Torba (Vanuatu). With a focal depth of about 45 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude can cause significant damage in populated areas.

The event was recorded by USGS.

Details

Magnitude

M6.0

Depth

44.6 km

UTC time

2026-07-24 21:37:56 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Torba

City

Torba

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-14.02050, 166.80060

Temperature

24.4°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

44.6 km

44.6 km — shallower than the regional average (104.3 km)

Regional average: 104.3 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 23'318

3 Felt reports · max reported intensity 4.3

Ground shaking

Moderate · Intensity (MMI) V

Felt by all, slight damage possible.

Tectonic context

Located on the New Hebrides Plate.

Near the boundary New Hebrides ↔ Pacific · about 36 km away

Nearby population centers

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

PlaceDistanceDirectionPopulation

Port Vila443.7 kmS35'901

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Volcanoes nearby

Suretamatai

Distance: 76 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 921 m ·Last eruption: 1966 ·Vanuatu
Gaua

Distance: 82 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 729 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Vanuatu
Motlav

Distance: 102 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 411 m ·Vanuatu
Ambae

Distance: 188 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'496 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Ambrym

Distance: 286 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 322 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu

Subsequent earthquakes nearby

Events recorded after this earthquake within 250 km. They are not automatically classified as aftershocks.

First 6 hours2

First 24 hours2

First 72 hours3

Strongest subsequent eventM5.0

M4.92026-07-24 22:39:19 UTC78.2 kmSola (Sol) M5.02026-07-24 23:44:10 UTC25.1 kmTorba M5.02026-07-27 20:10:01 UTC143.9 kmTorba

Comparison of seismic sources

5 sources currently report magnitudes from M5.1 to M6.0.

Measurements can differ because agencies use different networks and calculation methods. Values may be revised.

SourceMagnitudeDepthPosition difference

USGSM5.116.7 km9.3 km

GFZM5.510.0 km11.8 km

EMSCM5.535.0 km9.6 km

RESIFM5.210.0 km17.7 km

INGVM6.014.8 km3.9 km

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 250 km.

Magnitude rank#13

Earlier events M≥4202

Earlier events M≥591

Compared since2025-01-04

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

Strongest earlier events

M7.32026-03-30 08:44:13 UTC165.5 km48 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu M7.32026-03-30 08:44:10 UTC151.3 kmVANUATU M7.32026-03-30 08:44:08 UTC156.0 km###.# km ( ###.# mi) WSW (az= 251.1) from Quartzsite, AZ M7.32026-03-30 08:44:08 UTC158.0 kmVanuatu Islands M7.32026-03-30 08:44:08 UTC160.9 kmVanuatu Islands

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)