Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits south of the Kermadec Islands

An earthquake with a magnitude of M5.6 was recorded at 11:46 UTC on May 6, 2026, south of the Kermadec Islands. The event was registered at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), with epicentral coordinates at 32.2°S, 177.9°W.

The earthquake’s location, south of the Kermadec Islands, places it in a remote area of the South Pacific Ocean. This region consists primarily of deep ocean waters with no major population centers or settlements in the immediate vicinity.

Given the offshore setting and absence of nearby landmasses, critical infrastructure such as ports, airstrips, or energy facilities are not expected to be present in the affected area.

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 reached approximately VI, and the significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Kermadec Islands region is situated along the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the Australian Plate, a known zone of frequent seismic activity attributable to ongoing subduction processes.

This information was last updated at 12:54 UTC on May 6, 2026.