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M3.0 Depth: 21.5 km

M3.0 Earthquake near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand)

UTC time: 2026-01-23 14:30:54 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.0 earthquake was recorded near Tararua District, Manawatū-Whanganui (New Zealand) on January 23, 2026 at 14:30 UTC. With a focal depth of about 22 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 21.5 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 21.5 km
Shallow
21.5 km
21.5 km — shallower than the regional average (70 km)
Regional average: 70 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

  • Ruapehu
    Distance: 142 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'797 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·New Zealand
  • Tongariro
    Distance: 152 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 1'978 m ·Last eruption: 2012 ·New Zealand
  • Taupo
    Distance: 186 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 760 m ·Last eruption: 260 ·New Zealand
  • Taranaki
    Distance: 230 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'518 m ·Last eruption: 1800 ·New Zealand
  • Okataina
    Distance: 252 km ·Lava dome(s) ·Elevation: 1'111 m ·Last eruption: 1981 ·New Zealand
  • Whakaari/White Island
    Distance: 330 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 294 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·New Zealand

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