Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits south of Lotofagā, Samoa

An M6.3 earthquake was recorded at 15:30 UTC on March 22, 2026, about 155 km (96 miles) south-southwest of Lotofagā, Samoa. The quake originated at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), based on USGS data.

The epicenter, located at 15.3°S, 172.4°W, places the event offshore, south of Samoa’s main islands. The nearest settlement is Lotofagā on the island of Upolu, which is about 155 km (96 miles) to the north-northeast.

Given the offshore location and proximity to Samoa’s islands, key infrastructure in the region may include inter-island ports, coastal roads, and communication lines serving both local villages and the broader transportation network of Samoa.

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

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity is IV, and the significance index is 611 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Samoa is situated near the Tonga Trench, a seismically active subduction zone where the Pacific Plate is being forced beneath the Australian Plate. This region regularly experiences moderate to strong offshore earthquakes due to intense tectonic activity.

This information was last updated at 16:12 UTC on March 22, 2026.