M4.8 Depth: 260.0 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Tafea (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-05-20 16:53:34 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.8 earthquake was recorded near Tafea (Vanuatu) on May 20, 2026 at 16:53 UTC. At around 260 km, the focal depth places this among intermediate-depth events. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by GFZ.

Details

Magnitude

M4.8

Depth

260.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-20 16:53:34 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Tafea

City

Tafea

Source

gfz

Coordinates

-19.36000, 169.47000

Temperature

22.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Intermediate

260 km

260 km — deeper than the regional average (111.2 km)

Regional average: 111.2 km

Why depth matters

Intermediate-depth quakes are felt across a wider area but usually cause less surface damage.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Yasur

Distance: 19 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 361 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 72 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Gemini-Oscostar

Distance: 190 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -33 m ·Last eruption: 1996 ·Vanuatu
Nguna-Emau

Distance: 243 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Kuwae

Distance: 299 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 319 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Vanuatu

Historic earthquake map · Vanuatu

Open history map

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Country statistics · Vanuatu

Country overview

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

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

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