A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck New Zealand at 22:22 UTC on Thursday, September 24, 2026, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake's epicentre was located Kermadec Islands, New Zealand, at a focal depth of 48.8 km.
Event Details
At a focal depth of 48.8 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 4.9 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?
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.
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.
What Does Magnitude 4.9 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 4.9 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.
Safety Guidance
After an earthquake, expect aftershocks. Check yourself and others for injuries. Inspect your surroundings for hazards before moving — broken glass, gas leaks (smell), downed power lines, and structural damage. If you suspect a gas leak, open windows and evacuate without using electrical switches or open flames.
During and after an earthquake, follow instructions from official civil protection, emergency services, and government authorities. Avoid spreading unverified information on social media. Official channels provide the most reliable information about aftershock risk, evacuation orders, and available assistance.
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.
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.
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