Moderate M 5.4 Earthquake Strikes Vanuatu Region at Significant Depth

What Happened

A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 (mww) was recorded in the Vanuatu region. The seismic event occurred on February 21, 2026, at 14:57:41 UTC. The earthquake is classified as a moderate event based on its magnitude.

Location Details

The earthquake was centered at coordinates 13.8873°S and 172.4032°E. The event originated at a depth of 608.7 km. This is classified as a deep earthquake, as it occurred significantly below the 70 km threshold for shallow activity. Deep earthquakes typically result from the subduction of tectonic plates.

Impact Assessment

According to the source data, there is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect. No felt reports have been submitted to the USGS at this time, and no specific alert level color has been assigned to the event. Due to the extreme depth of the quake, surface impact is expected to be minimal.

What You Should Know

A magnitude 5.4 earthquake is considered a moderate event that can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings if shallow; however, the significant depth of over 600 kilometers usually mitigates surface shaking. Residents in the region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, although deep-focus earthquakes often produce fewer felt aftershocks than shallow ones.

Source

Data and attribution provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.