Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits Kermadec Islands region

A shallow earthquake measuring M5.6 occurred in the Kermadec Islands region at 16:11 UTC on August 13, 2026. The tremor struck at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), based on data provided by the USGS.

The epicenter was positioned at 28.7°S, 176.3°W in the Kermadec Islands region, a remote volcanic island chain in the South Pacific Ocean situated northeast of New Zealand’s North Island. The area is sparsely populated with no major towns or cities nearby.

Given its offshore island setting, the region is distant from large population centers but shipping lanes and undersea communication cables may pass nearby. There are no major airports or terrestrial transport networks in the immediate vicinity.

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 was III. 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 located along the Pacific-Australian plate boundary and forms part of the seismically active Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone, which is known for frequent moderate to large earthquakes.

This information was last updated at 16:45 UTC on August 13, 2026.