Suva, Fiji — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck the waters south of the Fiji Islands on Sunday evening, shaking the remote South Pacific.

What happened:

The quake hit at 6:46 PM Central time, centered in the ocean south of Fiji at a depth of about 538 kilometers. That is far deeper than most earthquakes, which is why the shaking at the surface stayed limited. The U.S. Geological Survey reviewed the event and placed the epicenter well offshore, away from any major city.

Impacts:

No damage has been reported, and no one has reported feeling the quake. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued no tsunami threat for this event. Because the quake was so deep, its energy spread out before reaching the surface, and it did not trigger the kind of strong shaking that damages buildings.

What to do:

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

Stay away from windows and anything that could fall.

After the shaking stops, check your home for damage, gas leaks, and broken glass before going back inside.

Be ready for aftershocks, which can follow a quake like this in the hours and days ahead.

Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), November 8, 2026.