M6.1 earthquake hits Vanuatu at intermediate depth

Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake in Port-Olry, Vanuatu on August 16, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google The epicenter was located 55 km (35 miles) NNE of Port-Olry (population 1 951), 85 km (55 miles) SSW of Sola (population 1 171), 110 km (70 miles) N of Luganville (population 13 397), 375 km (235 miles) NNW of Port-Vila (population 35 901), and 710 km (440 miles) N of Wé (population 10 375), New Caledonia. 145 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking and 8 000 light. There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake. The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are highly vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though some resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unknown/miscellaneous types and wood construction. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses. Little or no area and little or no population are estimated to have been affected . Epicenter of M6.1 earthquake in Port-Olry, Vanuatu on August 16, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking Selected cities exposed Regional seismicity References: 1 M6.1 earthquake Vanuatu – USGS – August 16, 2026 2 M6.1 earthquake Vanuatu – EMSC – August 16, 2026 Teo Blašković I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers. news.