Earthquake Alert: M4.5 Event Detected in Australia

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake struck Australia at 17:24 UTC on Monday, July 13, 2026, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake's epicentre was located southeast of the Loyalty Islands, at a focal depth of 10.0 km.

Event Details

At a focal depth of 10.0 km, this is classified as a shallow earthquake (0–70 km). Shallow events are typically the most damaging: the seismic energy has less distance to travel before reaching the surface, resulting in stronger and more abrupt ground shaking at the epicentre.

The earthquake registered a magnitude of 4.5 on the moment magnitude scale — the standard measurement used by seismologists worldwide. At this magnitude, the shaking is felt strongly by everyone; minor to moderate damage possible in vulnerable buildings.

Where Did This Earthquake Occur?

Australia sits in the interior of the Indo-Australian Plate, far from active plate boundaries. While considered a stable continent, it experiences moderate intraplate seismicity — and because its population is concentrated along the coast, even moderate earthquakes can affect large numbers of people.

Australia's largest recorded earthquake was the 1988 Tennant Creek sequence (M6.7–6.8) in the Northern Territory. More recently, the 2016 Petermann Ranges earthquake (M6.1) produced a dramatic surface rupture. Historical underestimation of Australian seismic hazard has been revised upward as geological research uncovers evidence of prehistoric large earthquakes.

What Does Magnitude 4.5 Mean?

Moderate earthquakes are felt by virtually everyone near the epicentre. Strong shaking lasting 10–30 seconds can topple unsecured items, crack plaster, and cause poorly anchored objects to fall. Aftershocks are common following moderate events.

Significant damage can occur to vulnerable structures — particularly unreinforced masonry, old adobe buildings, and poorly maintained older construction. Well-engineered modern buildings are designed to withstand this level of shaking with minimal structural impact, though contents may shift and non-structural elements (ceilings, partitions) can be damaged.

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake releases approximately roughly 500 tonnes of TNT of energy. For comparison, this exceeds the energy released by most conventional explosive events and is sufficient to shift tectonic stress in measurable ways across a wide region.

Safety Guidance

Agree on an out-of-area contact that family members can reach if local communications are disrupted. Identify two meeting points: one near your home and one further away. Practise earthquake drills, especially with children and elderly household members.

Understanding the type of building you live or work in is one of the most important steps in earthquake preparedness. Older unreinforced masonry buildings and soft-storey apartment buildings are significantly more vulnerable than modern reinforced concrete or steel-frame structures. If you have concerns, consult a structural engineer.

Geoscience Australia monitors seismic activity nationwide. Given Australia's relatively low frequency of damaging earthquakes, public earthquake preparedness awareness is an ongoing priority.

Monitoring and Aftershocks

Seismologists are continuing to monitor the region for aftershocks, which are common following earthquakes of this magnitude. Aftershocks can occur minutes, hours, or even days after the main event and are sometimes strong enough to cause additional damage to already-weakened structures. Residents in the area are advised to remain cautious and follow guidance from local authorities.

Real-time seismic data is being collected by the USGS and contributing regional networks. Updated information will be published as it becomes available. You can track this and all other global seismic activity in real time on our live earthquake map.

Building Codes and Earthquake Resilience

One of the most effective tools against earthquake damage is modern building codes that specify how structures must be designed and constructed to withstand seismic forces. Countries with active fault zones have developed increasingly sophisticated seismic design standards over the past 50 years. However, the gap between modern code-compliant buildings and older existing structures remains a critical challenge in earthquake risk reduction worldwide. Building retrofit programmes and public awareness campaigns are key components of any national earthquake preparedness strategy.