Earthquakes in Vanuatu — May 2026
12 earthquakes were recorded in Vanuatu during May 2026, an average of 0.4 per day.
12 reached magnitude 4 or above and 5 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 48 km.
The month's largest event in Vanuatu was a magnitude 5.7 earthquake near Port-Vila, Vanuatu on 19 May 2026 at 02:29 UTC. A magnitude 5.7 earthquake radiates roughly 5,351 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is close to the Vanuatu monthly average of 13 events over the period we cover, and up from the 9 recorded the previous month.
83% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 17% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). The mix is dominated by shallow crustal events, with a minority of intermediate-depth activity.
By band, the catalogue holds 7 in the magnitude 4 range, 5 in the magnitude 5 range.
Activity peaked on 16 May, when 4 events were recorded.
The month's largest events were M5.7 near Port-Vila, Vanuatu on 19 May at 27 km; M5.4 near Port-Vila, Vanuatu on 16 May at 10 km; M5.3 near Port-Vila, Vanuatu on 16 May at 10 km.
That is close to the 13 events Vanuatu averages per month across the 21 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Vanuatu, May 2026
12 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 27.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 5.4 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 5.3 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 5.2 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 5.0 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 35.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Isangel, Vanuatu | 117.3 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.9 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.8 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 62.1 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.8 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.7 | Isangel, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.6 | Port-Vila, Vanuatu | 10.0 | Vanuatu | View details View | |
| 4.5 | Isangel, Vanuatu | 260.0 | Vanuatu | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Vanuatu in May 2026?
12 earthquakes were recorded in Vanuatu during May 2026, of which 12 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Vanuatu in May 2026?
A magnitude 5.7 event near Port-Vila, Vanuatu on 19 May 2026.
Other months in Vanuatu
Magnitudes for May 2026 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.