Strong M6.0 earthquake hits Antigua and Barbuda region
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 struck the Antigua and Barbuda region at 14:50 UTC on May 16, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 30 km (18.6 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 48 km (29.8 miles). According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), there is no tsunami threat from this event.
Epicenter of M6.0 earthquake in Antigua and Barbuda region, Antigua and Barbuda on May 16, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 70 km (45 miles) ESE of Codrington (population 1 325), 85 km (50 miles) ENE of Saint John’s (population 24 226), 135 km (80 miles) N of Le Moule (population 22 692), 140 km (85 miles) N of Saint-François (population 12 732), and 140 km (90 miles) NNE of Les Abymes (population 53 514), Antigua and Barbuda–Guadeloupe region.
291 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking and 285 000 light.
Based on all available data, there is no tsunami danger from this earthquake, NWS PTWC reported at 14:57 UTC.
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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and rubble/field stone masonry construction.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.0 earthquake Antigua and Barbuda region – USGS – May 16, 2026
2 M6.1 earthquake Antigua and Barbuda region – EMSC – May 16, 2026
3 M6.1 earthquake Antigua and Barbuda region – PTWC – May 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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