Magnitude 6 Earthquake Near Port Olry: Vanuatu Submarine Cables Remain Stable
Earthquake near Port Olry's Northwest
On November 1, 2026 at 13:47 local time, an earthquake of magnitude 6 occurred 165 km northwest of Port Olry, Vanuatu. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean, close to the northern part of the archipelago. Situated within the Ring of Fire, Vanuatu is known for its seismic activity, making the region particularly important for monitoring submarine infrastructure.
Submarine Cables in Zone
In a radius of 500 km from the epicenter are two key submarine cables: Tamtam and Interchange Cable Network 1 (ICN1). The Tamtam cable, measuring 411 km, is scheduled for commissioning in 2027. It passes through Luganville, which is located 209.8 km from the epicenter. The second cable, ICN1, with a length of 1,259 km, was commissioned in 2014 and connects Port Vila to international networks. Port Vila is situated 477.7 km from the epicenter.
Both cables play an important role in ensuring Vanuatu's connectivity to the rest of the world, providing access to internet and other telecommunications services.
Monitoring Data and Stability
Our monitoring systems record stable operational indicators for both cables. The average round-trip time (RTT) for ICN1 is 45 ms, which corresponds to normal values for this route. Although the Tamtam cable has not yet been put into operation, it also does not show signs of damage based on current physical condition data.
Despite the proximity of the epicenter to the Tamtam cable route, its infrastructure remained intact. This indicates a well-planned cable laying considering seismic activity in the region.
Impact on Internet Traffic
An earthquake of magnitude 6 did not affect global internet traffic through Vanuatu. The ICN1 cable continues to operate normally, ensuring stable connections for the region. This is particularly important for island nations like Vanuatu, where submarine cables are the main channel of communication with the outside world.
The resilience of cable infrastructure in seismically active zones, such as the Ring of Fire, confirms the importance of careful planning and design. This helps minimize risks to communications even in natural disaster conditions.
Plans for Further Monitoring
We will continue to closely monitor the condition of the Tamtam and ICN1 cables in this region. Special attention will be given to potential changes in RTT characteristics and the physical condition of the cables, especially in light of ongoing seismic activity.
In addition, we will track any possible delays in the completion of the Tamtam cable construction, which could be caused by this or subsequent events. Regular updating of data on the state of submarine infrastructure in the Vanuatu zone remains our priority.
