Strong earthquake · March 20, 2026
M 6.1 Earthquake, 98 km WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu
A magnitude 6.1 (mww) earthquake struck 98 km WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu on March 20, 2026 at 02:30 UTC, at a depth of about 21 km (13 mi), according to the USGS. The USGS PAGER alert level is green.
Updated Jun 4, 2026, 2:37 PM EDT (USGS snapshot)
This is not an early-warning system. For tsunami warnings see tsunami.gov; for emergencies follow local authorities.
| Magnitude | 6.1 mww (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Time (UTC) | |
| Local time at epicenter | Mar 20, 2026, 1:30 PM GMT+11 |
| U.S. Eastern Time | Mar 19, 2026, 10:30 PM EDT |
| Location | 98 km WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu |
| Coordinates | 19.279° S, 168.381° E |
| Depth | 21.0 km (13.0 mi), shallow |
| Felt reports | None reported · max reported intensity 1 |
| ShakeMap intensity | MMI 4.3 (estimated maximum) |
| Tsunami flag | No |
| PAGER alert | Green |
| USGS event ID | us6000shnl |
Source: USGS Earthquake Hazards Program, event us6000shnl. Last updated by the USGS Jun 4, 2026, 18:37:53 UTC.
What the numbers mean
- Tsunami flag
- The USGS sets this flag for large events in oceanic regions. It does not mean a tsunami happened or will happen. Official tsunami warnings come from the NOAA Tsunami Warning Centers at tsunami.gov.
- PAGER alert
- An automatic USGS estimate of likely fatalities and economic losses: green (little or none), yellow, orange, or red (highest). It can change as more data arrives.
- Felt reports
- People who felt shaking can describe it through the USGS "Did You Feel It?" survey on the event page. The count grows for hours or days after an event.
Advertisement
Other recent earthquakes within 300 km
| Magnitude | Location | Time | Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| M 4.9 | 73 km SW of Isangel, Vanuatu | 0 sec ago | 22.4 km |
| M 4.7 | 85 km ENE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.8 | 131 km ENE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.5 | 102 km SSE of Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 0 sec ago | 85.1 km |
| M 5.0 | 73 km NE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.5 | 70 km NE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.5 | 89 km NE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.8 | 72 km NE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.6 | 82 km ENE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.8 | 104 km WSW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 4.7 | 80 km ENE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
| M 5.0 | 78 km ENE of Tadine, New Caledonia | 0 sec ago | 10.0 km |
After an earthquake
Expect aftershocks. If you are near the coast and feel strong or long shaking, move to high ground right away without waiting for an official warning. Check on neighbors and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
On Amazon
Emergency-kit pick
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Advertisement