Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits Balleny Islands region (Updated)
A shallow M5.6 earthquake was recorded at 20:58 UTC on June 5, 2026, in the Balleny Islands region. The event occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), according to data provided by the USGS.
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 161.3°E, 61.8°S, placing it within the remote Balleny Islands region of the Southern Ocean. This area is far from heavily populated settlements, with the Balleny Islands themselves being uninhabited and primarily of scientific research interest.
Given the regional context, there is no notable critical infrastructure—such as airports, ports, or energy facilities—located near the epicenter, as the Balleny Islands are isolated and largely undeveloped.
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 for this event is 0. The significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
The Balleny Islands region lies near the Antarctic Plate boundary and is influenced by tectonic activity from interactions with the adjacent Indo-Australian and Pacific Plates. Earthquakes occasionally occur here, but significant seismic events are rare due to its remote location.
This information was last updated at 15:27 UTC on June 6, 2026.