M4.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Sola, Vanuatu

Sola, Vanuatu — A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck in the ocean west of Sola early Saturday morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

What happened:

The quake hit at 6:14 a.m. Central Time on Saturday, October 24, 2026, centered about 196 kilometers (roughly 122 miles) west of Sola in the island nation of Vanuatu. It struck at a depth of about 10 kilometers (roughly 6 miles) below the surface.

Impacts:

No reports of shaking felt in nearby communities have come in so far, and no tsunami threat was generated. The epicenter sits in open ocean waters west of the island, away from larger towns.

What to do:

- Drop, cover, and hold on during shaking, and stay clear of windows and heavy objects.

- After shaking stops, check for hazards such as broken glass, gas leaks, and damaged wiring before moving around.

- Expect possible aftershocks and be ready to drop, cover, and hold on again.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), October 24, 2026.