Strong and shallow M6.0 earthquake hits south of the Kermadec Islands
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit south of the Kermadec Islands at 13:30 UTC on April 16, 2026 (01:30 LT on April 17). The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake south of the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand on April 16, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 685 km (425 miles) NNE of Hicks Bay (population 1 389), and 782 km (486 miles) NE of Whakatane (population 18 602), New Zealand.
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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though some vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are reinforced masonry and unreinforced brick with timber floor construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.0 earthquake south of the Kermadec Islands – USGS – April 16, 2026
2 M6.0 earthquake south of the Kermadec Islands – EMSC – April 16, 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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