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M5.1 Depth: 35.0 km

M5.1 Earthquake near VANUATU (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2025-08-12 12:58:48 UTC Local time: —
M5.1 earthquake near Sanma on Aug 12, 2025 — map of epicenter and shaking intensity | QuakeMap24
M5.1 Earthquake near VANUATU (Vanuatu) · 2025-08-12 12:58:48 UTC

About this earthquake

A magnitude M5.1 earthquake was recorded near VANUATU (Vanuatu) on August 12, 2025 at 12:58 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 35 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude can damage poorly built structures.

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

Details

Magnitude
M5.1
Depth
35.0 km
UTC time
2025-08-12 12:58:48 UTC
Local time
—
Country
Vanuatu
City
Sanma
Source
emsc
Coordinates
-14.61510, 167.17300
Temperature
26.2°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 35 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 35 km
Shallow
35 km
35 km — shallower than the regional average (113.4 km)
Regional average: 113.4 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 Vila367.8 kmS35'901

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Volcanoes nearby

  • Gaua
    Distance: 52 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 729 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Vanuatu
  • Suretamatai
    Distance: 96 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 921 m ·Last eruption: 1966 ·Vanuatu
  • Ambae
    Distance: 112 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'496 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
  • Motlav
    Distance: 118 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 411 m ·Vanuatu
  • Ambrym
    Distance: 208 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu
  • Lopevi
    Distance: 245 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.

Magnitude rank#10
Earlier events M≥445
Earlier events M≥511
Compared since2025-01-04

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

Strongest earlier events

M5.92025-05-28 08:57:48 UTC40.2 km52 km SW of Sola, Vanuatu M5.92025-05-28 08:57:48 UTC47.1 kmVanuatu Islands M5.92025-05-28 08:57:47 UTC48.2 kmVANUATU M5.32025-06-11 08:19:41 UTC61.0 km M5.32025-03-22 12:51:43 UTC62.9 km64 km WSW of Sola, 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.

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