Shallow M6.2 FORESHOCK struck on Sunday Evening in the South Pacific Ocean 198km from Apia (Samoa).

Written by Earthquakelist.org on March 22nd, 2026. Last updated April 18th, 2026.

In the South Pacific Ocean 198 kilometer from Apia, Samoa, a shallow and strong Magnitude 6.2 foreshock occurred in the evening of Sunday March 22nd, 2026. Shaking may have been felt by a total of 210 thousand people. Another country near the epicenter is American Samoa.

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Earthquake Summary

This earthquake hit under water in the South Pacific Ocean, 162 kilometers (101 mi) off the coast of Samoa, 198 kilometer southwest of Apia in Tuamasaga. The center of this earthquake had a very shallow depth of 14 km. Shallow earthquakes usually have a larger impact than earthquakes deep in the earth.

Date and Time:	Mar 22, 2026 19:15 (Apia Time) - Mar 22, 2026 06:15 Universal Time.
Location:	198 km SW of Apia, Tuamasaga, Samoa. Coordinates 15°11'32"S 172°57'36"W.
Map:	Map of area around epicenter. Click to open in Google Maps.
Magnitude:	MAG 6.2 Detected by 30 stations. Maximum Error Range ±0.057 .
Depth:	14 km (9 mi) A very shallow depth.
Max. Intensity:	V Moderate On the Modified Mercalli Scale.
Tsunami Risk:	Low tsunami risk Earthquakes under MAG-6.5 do not usually cause tsunami's. Always stay cautious - More info here.

Minimal impact predicted

Based on scientific estimates by the US Geographic Survey (USGS), the risk of high fatalities for this earthquake is classified at level GREEN (low). They expect an 90% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 fatalities.

The USGS classifies the economic impact of this earthquake at level GREEN (low). They expect an 90% likelyhood of between 0 and 1 million US Dollars in economic damage and impact.

Roughly 210 thousand people exposed to shaking

An estimated 210 thousand have been exposed to shaking (An MMI or Modified Mercalli Intensity level II or higher) as a result of this earthquake according scientific estimates published by the USGS.

The highest earthquake impact level for this earthquake is IV, which corresponds with light shaking and likely no damage. Roughly 16,590 people are expected to be exposed to this level. Intensity level III was experienced by the majority of people (around 200 thousand). In their region, weak shaking and probably no damage can be expected.

People in 2 countries have been exposed to shaking. In Samoa , around 210 thousand people, with impact levels up to IV (light shaking, likely no damage).

Nearby towns and cities

Samoa and American Samoa are both located within 300km distance of the epicenter of the earthquake.

Apia in Tuamasaga, Samoa is the nearest significant place from the epicenter. The earthquake occurred 198 kilometer (123 mi) southwest of Apia. The intensity of shaking and damage in Apia is estimated to be around level III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale (weak shaking, probably no damage).

Overview of nearby places

Earthquake Intensity Map

The maximum intensity (MMI Scale) caused by this earthquake is IV. The map below shows in which areas this earthquake was the most and least impactful. It is based on data from the US Geographic Survey.

I Not felt

II Weak

III Weak

IV Light

V Moderate

VI Strong

VII Very Strong

VIII Severe

IX Violent

X Extreme

This is likely a foreshock

This earthquake was followed by a stronger MAG-6.3 earthquake, classifying this earthquake as a foreshock.

Overview of foreshocks and aftershocks

More earthquakes coming?

Earthquakes can create aftershocks. These are generally at least 1 magnitude lower than any main shock, and as time passes the chance and strength of aftershocks decreases.

It's always adviced to be cautious of the risk of a larger shock following any significant earthquake, however this risk is fairly small. There is a roughly 94 percent change that no larger main shock will follow in the days following this earthquake.

Earthquakes like this are common in the region

Earthquakes of this strength occur quite regularly in the region. This is the strongest earthquake to hit since July 24th, 2025, when a 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit 296 km (184 mi) further west. An even stronger magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck on May 10th, 2023.

In total, 4 earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.2 or higher have been registered within 300km (186 mi) of this epicenter in the past 10 years. This comes down to an average of once every 3 years.

Low tsunami risk

Based on early data it appears this earthquake was not strong enough (lower than MAG-6.5) to be likely to cause destructive tsunami's. However this earthquake appeared to have hit at a shallow depth under sea, so stay cautious and monitor advice from local authorities.

Tsunami Risk Factors

Sources

Last updated 18/04/26 09:28 (). As more information on this earthquake becomes available this article will be updated. This article is automatically composed based on data originating from multiple sources.

1. US Geographic Society (USGS): Earthquake us6000sidb
2. European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC): Earthquake 20260322_0000089
3. Geonames.org: World Cities Database
4. Google Maps: Static API
5. Earthquakelist.org: Historic Earthquakes Database

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