M4.8 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Tafea (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-08-10 08:34:28 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On August 10, 2026 at 08:34 UTC, a magnitude M4.8 earthquake occurred near Tafea (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

M4.8

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-08-10 08:34:28 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Tafea

City

Tafea

Source

usgs

Coordinates

-19.79580, 170.00000

Temperature

21.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (104.2 km)

Regional average: 104.2 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 ↔ Australia · about 182 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Yasur

Distance: 65 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 361 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Gemini-Oscostar

Distance: 130 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -33 m ·Last eruption: 1996 ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 141 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Nguna-Emau

Distance: 313 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Matthew Island

Distance: 313 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 177 m ·Last eruption: 1956 ·France - claimed by Vanuatu
Hunter Island

Distance: 359 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 297 m ·Last eruption: 1903 ·France - claimed by 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)

633

Country (24h)