Major M7.2 earthquake strikes near Luganville, Vanuatu on March 30, 2026
A major M7.2 earthquake was registered at 08:44 UTC on March 30, 2026, approximately 27 km (17 miles) east-northeast of Luganville, Vanuatu, at a depth of 87.5 km (54.4 miles).
The coordinates place the epicenter at 167.4°E, 15.4°S, near the island of Espiritu Santo, within Sanma Province. The region includes Luganville, one of the largest towns in Vanuatu, and is characterized by rugged terrain, coastal communities, and significant local populations.
Nearby critical infrastructure in the area may include Luganville’s port, an airport, roads, and utilities serving the northern islands of Vanuatu. The region’s transport links support local economic activities and humanitarian access.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
The significance index is 798 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Vanuatu lies on the highly active Pacific ‘Ring of Fire,’ forming part of the boundary between the Australian and Pacific Plates. The area frequently experiences moderate to major seismic activity due to intense tectonic subduction.
This information was last updated at 08:51 UTC on March 30, 2026.