M5.5
Depth:
10.0 km
M5.5 Earthquake near Torba (Vanuatu)
About this earthquake
A magnitude M5.5 earthquake was recorded near Torba (Vanuatu) on January 9, 2026 at 23:19 UTC. With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Events of this size can cause damage near the epicenter.
The event was recorded by GFZ.
Map
Depth profile
Shallow
10 km
10 km — shallower than the regional average (111.6 km)
Regional average: 111.6 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 Vila480.4 kmSE35'901
GeoNames · CC BY 4.0
Volcanoes nearby
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Suretamatai
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Gaua
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Motlav
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Ambae
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Ambrym
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Lopevi
Subsequent earthquakes nearby
Events recorded after this earthquake within 150 km. They are not automatically classified as aftershocks.
First 6 hours3
First 24 hours3
First 72 hours3
Strongest subsequent eventM5.6
Historical context nearby
Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.
Magnitude rank#8
Earlier events M≥474
Earlier events M≥529
Compared since2025-01-04
The QuakeMap24 comparison dataset begins on 2024-03-23. Earlier earthquakes may not be included.
Strongest earlier events
Historic earthquake map · Vanuatu
Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.
Country statistics · Vanuatu
View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.
Stats (last 24h)
Global (24h)
739
Country (24h)
Vanuatu
0
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