M5.7 Depth: 23.4 km

M5.7 Earthquake near Malaita (Solomon Islands)

UTC time: 2026-05-16 15:17:56 UTC Local time: —

M5.7 earthquake near Malaita on May 16, 2026 — map of epicenter and shaking intensity | QuakeMap24 — M5.7 Earthquake near Malaita (Solomon Islands) · 2026-05-16 15:17:56 UTC

About this earthquake

On May 16, 2026 at 15:17 UTC, a magnitude M5.7 earthquake occurred near Malaita (Solomon Islands). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 23 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Events of this size can cause damage near the epicenter.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Details

Magnitude

M5.7

Depth

23.4 km

UTC time

2026-05-16 15:17:56 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Solomon Islands

State

Malaita

City

Malaita

Source

emsc

Coordinates

-8.55260, 160.91610

Temperature

25.3°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

23.4 km

23.4 km — shallower than the regional average (69.8 km)

Regional average: 69.8 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

Malango135.6 kmSW15'560

GeoNames · CC BY 4.0

Volcanoes nearby

Savo

Distance: 137 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 455 m ·Last eruption: 1847 ·Solomon Islands
New Georgia at 8.9°S

Distance: 320 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -240 m ·Solomon Islands
Kavachi

Distance: 326 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -20 m ·Last eruption: 2014 ·Solomon Islands
Coleman Seamount

Distance: 414 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -717 m ·Solomon Islands
Kana Keoki

Distance: 428 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -700 m ·Solomon Islands
Simbo

Distance: 484 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 335 m ·Last eruption: 1910 ·Solomon Islands

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.

Magnitude rank#1

Earlier events M≥47

Earlier events M≥53

Compared since2025-01-27

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

Strongest earlier events

M5.72026-05-16 15:17:54 UTC9.5 kmMalaita M5.22026-05-16 15:17:55 UTC23.4 kmGwaunatafu M5.12025-08-04 03:54:13 UTC115.0 kmSOLOMON ISLANDS M4.72025-03-27 16:16:27 UTC55.4 km44 km NW of Auki, Solomon Islands M4.72025-03-15 17:53:14 UTC148.6 km97 km ESE of Honiara, Solomon Islands

Historic earthquake map · Solomon Islands

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 · Solomon Islands

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

613

Country (24h)