M4.5 Earthquake Strikes Deep Near Vanuatu

Sola, Vanuatu — A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck beneath the northern islands of Vanuatu early Saturday, hitting at 2:40 AM Central Time about 50 miles northwest of Sola at a depth of roughly 90 miles.

What happened: The U.S. Geological Survey places the epicenter near Vanua Lava in Torba province, at intermediate depth within the subducting plate beneath the island arc. Vanuatu experiences frequent quakes of this size — its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire guarantees it.

Impacts: The USGS has received no felt reports. At 90 miles deep, a 4.5 releases its energy far below the surface, and shaking in island villages would have been faint at most. No tsunami threat was issued and no damage is expected.

What to do:

- No action is needed for this event.

- In Vanuatu's quake-prone islands, keep an emergency kit handy and know to drop, cover, and hold on when shaking starts.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 17, 2026.