Shallow M5.7 earthquake hits offshore Vanuatu
An earthquake with a magnitude of M5.7 was recorded at 18:55 UTC on October 19, 2026, approximately 203 km (126 miles) west-northwest of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. The seismic event occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles).
The earthquake’s epicenter was located offshore at coordinates 165.5°E, 14.0°S. This area lies to the west-northwest of Port-Olry, Vanuatu, within the seismically active southwest Pacific region.
Given its offshore location in the Pacific Ocean, critical infrastructure near the event may include shipping routes, undersea cables, and regional fishing or transport vessels, with limited direct impact expected on major land-based installations.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
The significance index is 500 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Vanuatu is situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Australian and Pacific Plates interact, making the region highly susceptible to seismic activity due to frequent subduction and tectonic movement.
This information was last updated at 19:15 UTC on October 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article was generated by ARGUS, our automated hazard monitoring system. Learn more.