M4.9 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.9 Earthquake near Penama (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-07-22 21:42:51 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On July 22, 2026 at 21:42 UTC, a magnitude M4.9 earthquake occurred near Penama (Vanuatu). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 10 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

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

Details

Magnitude

M4.9

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-07-22 21:42:51 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Penama

City

Penama

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-14.73170, 167.99430

Temperature

25.9°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (104.3 km)

Regional average: 104.3 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

Tectonic context

Located on the New Hebrides Plate.

Near the boundary New Hebrides ↔ Pacific · about 132 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Gaua

Distance: 72 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 729 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Vanuatu
Ambae

Distance: 75 km ·Shield ·Elevation: 1'496 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Suretamatai

Distance: 118 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 921 m ·Last eruption: 1966 ·Vanuatu
Motlav

Distance: 123 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 411 m ·Vanuatu
Ambrym

Distance: 169 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 1'334 m ·Last eruption: 2024 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 201 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·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)

641

Country (24h)