Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits offshore Vanuatu

An earthquake measuring M5.5 was recorded at 01:39 UTC on October 28, 2026, approximately 221 km (137 miles) northwest of Port-Olry, Vanuatu. The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles).

The coordinates place the epicenter offshore, in the waters northwest of Vanuatu, centered near 165.4°E, 13.9°S. This location is well removed from populated areas, with Port-Olry on Espiritu Santo Island being the nearest notable settlement.

Given its offshore location, the region is distant from major population centers and critical infrastructure such as maritime routes, smaller airstrips, and possible minor ports that serve surrounding islands.

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 is 0, and the significance index is 465 (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 Pacific Plate converges with the Indo-Australian Plate, making the region prone to frequent seismic activity, especially offshore events.

This information was last updated at 01:59 UTC on October 28, 2026.