Shallow M5.6 earthquake hits near Kirakira, Solomon Islands

A shallow M5.6 earthquake struck at 04:05 UTC on September 6, 2026, approximately 93 km (58 miles) southeast of Kirakira, Solomon Islands. The quake was measured at a depth of 38.5 km (23.9 miles), according to reviewed data.

The epicenter was located at 162.5°E, 11.1°S, placing it in the ocean southeast of San Cristobal Island (Makira), part of the Solomon Islands archipelago. Kirakira is the largest town on Makira island, with smaller coastal communities nearby.

Given the offshore location in the Solomon Islands, critical infrastructure in the region may include coastal ports, airports serving island connectivity, and inter-island transport routes, though specifics depend on local settlement patterns.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

The maximum estimated intensity reached IV (4.3) and the significance index is 482 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Solomon Islands lie within the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area recognized for frequent seismic activity due to the interaction of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, resulting in frequent earthquakes and undersea volcanic activity.

This information was last updated at 04:29 UTC on September 6, 2026.