Magnitude 4.9 Moderate Earthquake Recorded Near Kermadec Islands region

The USGS has confirmed a magnitude 4.9 earthquake with its epicentre Kermadec Islands region, occurring at 20:35 UTC on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The event's focal depth — 117.7 km — is a key factor in understanding how this earthquake was experienced at the surface.

Why Depth Matters

With a focal depth of 117.7 km, this earthquake falls into the intermediate depth category (70–300 km). At this depth, seismic waves travel further before reaching the surface, spreading energy over a wider area. While shaking intensity at the epicentre is somewhat reduced compared to a shallow event of equal magnitude, an intermediate earthquake can be felt across a much larger region.

Depth is one of the most critical but least discussed parameters of any earthquake. Two earthquakes of identical magnitude can have dramatically different surface effects depending on how deep the rupture originates. 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.

Magnitude 4.9: What the Science Says

On the moment magnitude scale, 4.9 represents a moderate earthquake. 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.

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake releases approximately approximately 30,000 tonnes of TNT — comparable to the Hiroshima atomic bomb 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.

Tectonic Setting

New Zealand straddles the boundary between the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates. In the South Island, the Alpine Fault accommodates plate motion directly, while the North Island sits above the Hikurangi Subduction Zone, where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the Australian Plate.

This region's seismic history is an important reminder that earthquake risk is a long-term reality that requires sustained preparedness. New Zealand experiences around 15,000 earthquakes per year, of which about 100–150 are strong enough to be felt. The 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence — including the devastating M6.2 Christchurch aftershock of February 2011 — killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city centre, profoundly reshaping New Zealand's approach to earthquake resilience.

Practical Safety Information

Regardless of the earthquake's depth or magnitude, standard safety procedures apply. 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.

If you are on or near a coast and experience strong or prolonged earthquake shaking, treat it as a potential tsunami warning and move immediately to high ground. Do not wait for an official alert — natural warning signs (severe shaking, unusual sea withdrawal) are your first alert.

GeoNet (operated by GNS Science) monitors New Zealand's earthquakes in near real-time. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) coordinates civil defence responses. New Zealand's "ShakeOut" national earthquake drill occurs annually.

Track This Event

All seismic data for this event is being updated in real time as the USGS refines its measurements. Initial magnitude and depth estimates are sometimes revised as more seismograph stations report in — a process that typically completes within hours of the event. Follow updates on our live earthquake map and consider submitting a felt report if you experienced this earthquake directly.