M4.8 Depth: 253.9 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Shefa (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-01-07 00:27:52 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 7, 2026 at 00:27 UTC, a magnitude M4.8 earthquake occurred near Shefa (Vanuatu). At around 254 km, the focal depth places this among intermediate-depth events. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by USGS.

Details

Magnitude

M4.8

Depth

253.9 km

UTC time

2026-01-07 00:27:52 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Shefa

City

Shefa

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-17.13030, 168.68380

Temperature

28.4°C

Map

Depth profile

Intermediate

253.9 km

253.9 km — deeper than the regional average (112.7 km)

Regional average: 112.7 km

Why depth matters

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

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Kuwae

Distance: 37 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
Nguna-Emau

Distance: 50 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 59 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 78 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu
Ambrym

Distance: 115 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 190 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·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)

620

Country (24h)