M4.8 Depth: 290.0 km

M4.8 Earthquake near Tafea (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-05-20 16:53:36 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 290 km, the focal depth places this among intermediate-depth events. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

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

Details

Magnitude

M4.8

Depth

290.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-20 16:53:36 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Tafea

City

Tafea

Source

emsc

Coordinates

-19.55000, 169.73000

Temperature

22.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Intermediate

290 km

290 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: 30 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 361 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 102 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Gemini-Oscostar

Distance: 162 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: -33 m ·Last eruption: 1996 ·Vanuatu
Nguna-Emau

Distance: 275 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Kuwae

Distance: 328 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 349 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·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)

668

Country (24h)