M4.8 Depth: 62.1 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Port Vila, Shefa (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-05-19 14:18:39 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.8 earthquake was recorded near Port Vila, Shefa (Vanuatu) on May 19, 2026 at 14:18 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 62 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. 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

62.1 km

UTC time

2026-05-19 14:18:39 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Shefa

City

Port Vila

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-17.84720, 168.25880

Temperature

26.1°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

62.1 km

62.1 km — shallower than the regional average (111.2 km)

Regional average: 111.2 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

Volcanoes nearby

Nguna-Emau

Distance: 45 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Kuwae

Distance: 116 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 131 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 144 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 149 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu
Ambrym

Distance: 178 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu

Historic earthquake map · Vanuatu

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Country statistics · Vanuatu

Country overview

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