Strong Quake Strikes Fiji Region

Earthquake measuring up to 6.5 Mw strikes Fiji Region

A strong earthquake measuring up to M 6.5 struck offshore Fiji Region at 17.789°S, 178.435°W at a depth  of about 520 km November 22, 2009 at 07:48 UTC.

The event occurred about 195 km SE of Taveuni volcano which last erupted about 1550 ± 100 yrs.

Taveuni, the 3-rd largest island in Fiji, is a large shield volcano that rises from the Pacific Ocean floor. A popular tourist destination, the Island has a population of less than 10,000.

Tsunami Information

The earthquake was located too deep to generate a tsunami.

10-degree Map Centered at 20°S,180°E

Earthquake location Map. Source: USGS/EHP. Enhanced by FEWW.

Earthquake Details:

• Magnitude: 6.3 [Maximum quake magnitude estimated at 6.5 Mw by FEWW]
• Date-Time:
  • Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 07:48:20 UTC
  • Sunday, November 22, 2009 at 07:48:20 PM at epicenter
• Location: 17.789°S, 178.435°W
• Depth: 523.1 km (325.1 miles) set by location program
• Region: FIJI REGION
• Distances:
  • 275 km (170 miles) ESE of Lambasa, Vanua Levu, Fiji
  • 320 km (195 miles) N of Ndoi Island, Fiji
  • 335 km (210 miles) E of SUVA, Viti Levu, Fiji
  • 2220 km (1380 miles) NNE of Auckland, New Zealand
• Location Uncertainty:  horizontal +/- 5.1 km (3.2 miles)
• Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)
• Event ID: us2009phaj

Related Links:

• Volcanoes
• Earthquakes [Main Index Page]
• FEWW Volcano Links
• Volcanoes affect life on earth