Moderate M 5.0 Earthquake Recorded West-Northwest of Houma, Tonga

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 (mb) was recorded on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 09:15:04 UTC. The seismic event occurred approximately 267 km west-northwest of Houma, Tonga.

Location Details

The earthquake was centered at coordinates 20.1016°S and 177.6036°W. It originated at a depth of 393.607 km. This is classified as a deep earthquake, as it occurred significantly below the 70 km threshold. Deep-focus earthquakes typically cause less shaking at the surface than shallower events of the same magnitude.

Impact Assessment

According to the USGS, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect following this event. No felt reports have been submitted to the USGS at this time, and no alert level color has been assigned to the event. Due to the remote location and extreme depth, impact on populated areas is expected to be minimal.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.0 event is considered a moderate earthquake. While earthquakes of this size can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings when they occur at shallow depths, the significant depth of nearly 400 km reduces the likelihood of surface damage. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, though they are often less noticeable following deep seismic events.

Source

Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.