M4.6 Depth: 589.0 km

M4.6 Earthquake near Lau, Eastern (Fiji)

UTC time: 2026-03-17 06:15:16 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On March 17, 2026 at 06:15 UTC, a magnitude M4.6 earthquake occurred near Lau, Eastern (Fiji). At roughly 589 km, the focus was very deep, so surface shaking tends to be weaker. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by GFZ.

Details

Magnitude

M4.6

Depth

589.0 km

UTC time

2026-03-17 06:15:16 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Fiji

State

Eastern

City

Lau

County

Lau

Source

gfz

Coordinates

-21.04000, -178.77000

Temperature

28.3°C

Map

Depth profile

Deep

589 km

589 km — close to the regional average (573.2 km)

Regional average: 573.2 km

Why depth matters

Deep quakes are felt over very large areas but rarely cause surface damage.

Depth classes per USGS

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Fonuafo'ou

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Tofua

Distance: 411 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 515 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Tonga

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