Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits east of Alo, Wallis and Futuna

A shallow M5.6 earthquake was recorded at 08:36 UTC on December 26, 2025, approximately 136 km (85 miles) east of Alo, Wallis and Futuna. The event occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), according to data provided by USGS.

The earthquake’s coordinates were -14.5°S, 176.9°W, placing the epicenter offshore, east of the nearest major settlement in Wallis and Futuna. This region is characterized by sparsely inhabited island groups surrounded by the open Pacific Ocean.

Given the offshore location east of Alo, the area mostly comprises marine routes and potential fishing grounds. There is limited critical infrastructure present in the vicinity, with the nearest significant ports and air transport facilities located on the main islands of Wallis and Futuna.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

The maximum estimated intensity was IV. The significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Wallis and Futuna is located in a tectonically active region of the southwest Pacific, near the complex boundaries of the Pacific and Australian Plates. The area is subject to frequent moderate earthquakes associated with these plate interactions.

This information was last updated at 08:54 UTC on December 26, 2025.