M4.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Norsup, Vanuatu

Norsup, Vanuatu —

What happened: A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near Vanuatu on Friday, October 23, 2026, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake hit at 5:42 PM Central Time, centered about 115 kilometers northeast of Norsup at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The USGS reports no tsunami was generated.

Impacts: The quake struck offshore at a shallow depth, where shaking is often felt strongly near the epicenter. No damage reports were immediately available, and none were expected from an offshore quake of this size.

What to do:

- During shaking: drop, cover, and hold on under sturdy furniture.

- After the quake: check for gas leaks, broken glass, and structural damage before re-entering buildings.

- Stay alert for aftershocks, which can follow in the hours and days after a quake this size.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 23, 2026.