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M6.1 Depth: 188.1 km

M6.1 Earthquake near Sanma (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-08-16 03:20:24 UTC Local time: —
M6.1 earthquake near Sanma on Aug 16, 2026 — map of epicenter and shaking intensity | QuakeMap24
M6.1 Earthquake near Sanma (Vanuatu) · 2026-08-16 03:20:24 UTC

About this earthquake

On August 16, 2026 at 03:20 UTC, a magnitude M6.1 earthquake occurred near Sanma (Vanuatu). The earthquake originated at an intermediate depth of about 188 km. Events of this size are considered strong and can be dangerous in inhabited regions.

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

Details

Magnitude
M6.1
Depth
188.1 km
UTC time
2026-08-16 03:20:24 UTC
Local time
—
Country
Vanuatu
State
Sanma
City
Sanma
Source
usgs
Coordinates
-14.54740, 167.19340
Temperature
24.6°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 188.1 km (Intermediate) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 188.1 km
Intermediate
188.1 km
188.1 km — deeper than the regional average (104.2 km)
Regional average: 104.2 km
Why depth matters

Intermediate-depth quakes are felt across a wider area but usually cause less surface damage.

Depth classes per USGS

Estimated impact

Green No or minimal impact expected.
Estimated population exposed
IV 7'977
1 Felt reports · max reported intensity 3.4

Ground shaking

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

Tectonic context

Located on the New Hebrides Plate.
Near the boundary New Hebrides ↔ Pacific · about 100 km away

Nearby population centers

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

PlaceDistanceDirectionPopulation
Port Vila374.2 kmS35'901

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Volcanoes nearby

  • Gaua
    Distance: 45 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 729 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Vanuatu
  • Suretamatai
    Distance: 88 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 921 m ·Last eruption: 1966 ·Vanuatu
  • Motlav
    Distance: 110 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 411 m ·Vanuatu
  • Ambae
    Distance: 116 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'496 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
  • Ambrym
    Distance: 214 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu
  • Lopevi
    Distance: 250 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu

Comparison of seismic sources

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

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

SourceMagnitudeDepthPosition difference
EMSCM6.0140.1 km4.7 km
GFZM6.0155.0 km5.0 km
INGVM6.0158.6 km7.1 km
RESIFM5.5157.1 km7.5 km
SCEDCM6.1188.2 km0.0 km
USGSM6.1188.1 km0.0 km

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 250 km.

Magnitude rank#13
Earlier events M≥4197
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 UTC94.0 km48 km ENE of Luganville, Vanuatu M7.32026-03-30 08:44:10 UTC83.3 kmVANUATU M7.32026-03-30 08:44:08 UTC86.4 km###.# km ( ###.# mi) WSW (az= 251.1) from Quartzsite, AZ M7.32026-03-30 08:44:08 UTC87.1 kmVanuatu Islands M7.32026-03-30 08:44:08 UTC90.2 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)
628
Country (24h)
Vanuatu
0
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Magnitude Place Local time
No recent events available.

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