M4.9 Earthquake Strikes Near Vanuatu

Port-Olry, Vanuatu — A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck in the South Pacific near Vanuatu on Tuesday afternoon, November 10, 2026. The quake hit at 1:54 PM Central Time, about 207 kilometers northwest of Port-Olry on the island of Espiritu Santo.

What happened:

The earthquake measured magnitude 4.9 and struck at a depth of about 11.7 kilometers, or roughly 7 miles below the surface. Its epicenter was in the ocean waters north of Vanuatu, at about 13.9 degrees south latitude and 165.5 degrees east longitude. The U.S. Geological Survey reviewed the quake and posted it to its earthquake feed within minutes.

Impacts:

No tsunami warning was issued for this earthquake, and the Geological Survey reported no tsunami threat. No damage reports have come in, and no one has filed a felt report with the Geological Survey so far. The quake struck in a remote stretch of ocean far from major towns, which limits shaking on land. Vanuatu sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where earthquakes are common, and aftershocks are possible in the hours after a quake of this size.

What to do:

If you feel shaking, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.

Stay away from windows, heavy furniture, and anything that could fall.

After the shaking, check for hazards such as broken glass, gas leaks, and damaged walls before moving around.

Be ready for aftershocks, which can follow a quake like this one.

If you are near the coast and feel strong shaking, move to higher ground right away and follow local emergency guidance.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 10, 2026.