Shallow M6.3 earthquake hits offshore Vanuatu on October 20, 2026 (Updated)

A shallow M6.3 earthquake was registered at 04:20 UTC on October 20, 2026, about 197 km (122 miles) northwest of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 16.0 km (9.9 miles).

The coordinates place the earthquake offshore, in the region northwest of Vanuatu, a country composed mostly of volcanic islands in the southwestern Pacific. No populated centers are located in the immediate vicinity of the epicenter, with the nearest significant settlement being Port-Olry on Espiritu Santo Island.

Given the offshore location, the region may host critical maritime infrastructure, such as shipping routes and fisheries. Access to the nearest towns and islands is generally by sea and small regional airports.

There is a 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 0, and the significance index is 611 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Vanuatu is situated along the boundary between the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, within the highly seismically active New Hebrides subduction zone, an area known for frequent strong earthquakes and potential tsunami generation.

This information was last updated at 04:58 UTC on October 20, 2026.