Magnitude 5.5 earthquake — Fiji region
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck near Fiji region at a depth of about 470 km. Details, shaking intensity and any tsunami information are on the USGS event page.
Explained simply
Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific, in a region where the Pacific tectonic plate meets several other plates. Movement deep below the Earth’s surface can cause earthquakes that are felt across the islands and surrounding ocean.
The depth of an earthquake affects how its energy reaches the surface: deep earthquakes are often felt over a wider area but may cause less intense shaking near the centre. Whether an earthquake creates a tsunami depends on factors including its location and how much the sea floor moves.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) monitors earthquakes worldwide and publishes information such as their estimated size, depth and location. These details help people and local authorities assess possible effects, though conditions can vary from place to place.