Moderate M5.5 earthquake strikes Kermadec Islands region on September 18, 2026

An earthquake measuring M5.5 was recorded in the Kermadec Islands region at 23:18 UTC on September 18, 2026. The quake originated at a depth of 94.1 km (58.5 miles), with the epicenter located at coordinates 27.9°S, 177.2°W.

The Kermadec Islands are situated northeast of New Zealand’s North Island in the southwest Pacific Ocean. The region is well known for frequent seismic activity due to its position along the boundary between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates.

Given the offshore location of the event, there are no major population centers or critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, or energy facilities in the immediate vicinity. The islands themselves are sparsely populated, with research outposts present.

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 earthquake is 0. The significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

The Kermadec Islands region lies along the active Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone, a boundary where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Australian Plate, regularly generating earthquakes of this magnitude and larger.

This information was last updated at 23:46 UTC on September 18, 2026.