Shallow M5.8 earthquake hits near Isangel, Vanuatu on July 8, 2026

A shallow M5.8 earthquake was recorded at 09:50 UTC on July 8, 2026, approximately 91 km (57 miles) south-southwest of Isangel, Vanuatu, at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles).

The earthquake’s epicenter, located at 168.8°E, 20.3°S, places it off the southern coast of Vanuatu, near Tanna Island. Isangel, the closest significant settlement, serves as the administrative capital of Tafea Province, while the region is surrounded by smaller islands and remote communities typical of southern Vanuatu.

Given the offshore location south of Tanna Island, nearby infrastructure may include local wharves, small airports, and marine transport routes, with limited major roads due to the region’s insular geography.

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 was IV, and the significance index is 518 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Vanuatu is located along the boundary of the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, an area known for frequent seismic activity including shallow megathrust earthquakes and associated volcanic phenomena.

This information was last updated at 10:18 UTC on July 8, 2026.