The number of aftershocks from the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck off the west of Efate on December 17, 2024, has decreased significantly—but seismic activity continues to be recorded and felt.

According to the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-Hazards Department, over 200 aftershocks were recorded in a single day immediately following the earthquake. Now, that number has dropped to around 100 per day.

Speaking to VBTC News, Seismology Officer Melinda Aru confirmed that although the number of aftershocks has gone down since January, people are still experiencing tremors three months later.

“More than 7,000 aftershocks were recorded in December, and over 4,000 in January,” she said.

Ms Aru explained that most of these aftershocks are minor and not always felt by people on the ground, but are picked up by sensitive monitoring equipment capable of detecting quakes between magnitudes 1 to 5.

The December quake, which struck at a shallow depth less than 100 metres, was centred near Efate and caused significant concern due to its strength and location.

“Some aftershocks have reached magnitudes of 5.1 and 5.2, which are still strong enough to be felt,” Ms Aru added. “We continue to monitor their movement around Efate.”

Vanuatu lies on a major subduction zone where the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates meet. This geological setting means the country will continue to experience earthquakes as the plates shift.

Geo-Hazards officials say they will continue monitoring seismic activity and providing updates to the public as the aftershocks gradually decline.