Strong and shallow M6.4 earthquake hits near Port-Olry, Vanuatu
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.4 struck near Port-Olry, Vanuatu at 02:27 UTC on February 14, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The EMSC is reporting M6.5 at the same depth. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
Epicenter of M6.4 earthquake in Port-Olry, Vanuatu on February 14, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 53 km (33 miles) WNW of Port-Olry (population 1 951), 92 km (57 miles) NW of Luganville (population 13 397), and 365 km (227 miles) NNW of Port-Vila (population 35 901), Vanuatu.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 5 000 strong, 15 000 moderate, 100 000 light, and 54 000 weak.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami threat from this earthquake, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) said.
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 or wood construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Liquefaction effects are not expected to be widespread. Only localized areas may have experienced ground failure. Landslides are estimated to be limited, occurring mainly in steep terrain.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.4 earthquake near Port-Olry, Vanuatu – USGS – February 14, 2026
2 M6.5 earthquake near Port-Olry, Vanuatu – EMSC – February 14, 2026
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.
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