M4.9 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.9 Earthquake near Shefa (Vanuatu)

UTC time: 2026-05-16 15:35:20 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.9 earthquake was recorded near Shefa (Vanuatu) on May 16, 2026 at 15:35 UTC. 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 EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Details

Magnitude

M4.9

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-16 15:35:20 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Vanuatu

State

Shefa

City

Shefa

Source

emsc

Coordinates

-17.88280, 168.86190

Temperature

26.4°C

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

Volcanoes nearby

Nguna-Emau

Distance: 72 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 589 m ·Vanuatu
Traitor's Head

Distance: 105 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 817 m ·Last eruption: 1881 ·Vanuatu
Kuwae

Distance: 122 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: -2 m ·Last eruption: 1974 ·Vanuatu
East Epi

Distance: 143 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 833 m ·Last eruption: 2023 ·Vanuatu
Lopevi

Distance: 163 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'413 m ·Last eruption: 2007 ·Vanuatu
Yasur

Distance: 193 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 361 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·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)

622

Country (24h)