6.1 Earthquake Near Fiji: Submarine Cables Remain Fully Operational
What Happened
On November 5, 2026, at 19:21:45 UTC, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 occurred in the region of Fiji. The epicenter was located in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 357 km from Tonga's capital Nuku'alofa and 456 km from Fiji's capital Suva. This seismic event drew significant attention due to its proximity to several critical submarine cables that serve the southern Pacific region, ensuring connectivity for numerous island nations and international routes.
Cables in Zone
Within a radius of 500 km from the epicenter, GeoCables identified eight submarine cables. Among them are Tonga Cable (827 km, RFS 2013) and Tonga Domestic Cable Extension (TDCE, 410 km, RFS 2018), which are vital for connecting the islands of Tonga. These systems facilitate domestic and international communication, linking Tonga to neighboring countries and global networks. Additionally, the APX East (13,000 km, RFS 2028), Bulikula (21,600 km, RFS 2026), and Southern Cross NEXT (13,700 km, RFS 2022) cables traverse the region, with Southern Cross NEXT directly passing through Suva, Fiji. These cables are integral to maintaining high-speed connectivity between Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Pacific island nations.
The submarine cable infrastructure in this region is essential for bridging the vast distances between islands and continents. These cables are strategically designed to withstand environmental challenges, including seismic activity, which is common in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Their robust construction and advanced technologies ensure reliable communication even in the face of natural events.
What Our Measurements Show
GeoCables' monitoring systems confirmed stable signal transit times (RTT) for all submarine cables within the earthquake zone. For instance, Southern Cross NEXT, which connects Australia, New Zealand, and the United States via Fiji, maintained a consistent RTT of 135-140 ms, reflecting normal operational values. Similarly, Tonga Cable and TDCE, which provide connectivity between Tonga's islands, demonstrated stable performance with RTTs around 20-25 ms. These measurements affirm the resilience and reliability of the cable systems. No anomalies in data transmission, increased delays, or disruptions were detected, underscoring the robust design and strategic deployment of these cables.
Context and Risks
The Fiji region is situated in a seismically active zone, making it prone to earthquakes and other geological events. Submarine cables in this area are engineered to endure such challenges, incorporating features like armoring and strategic routing to mitigate risks. The stable operation of cables following the earthquake highlights their durability and the effectiveness of their deployment strategies. This reliability is crucial for island nations, where submarine cables serve as the primary means of international communication and internet connectivity. The ability of these systems to withstand seismic activity ensures uninterrupted service, reducing the potential for economic and social disruptions.
Further Monitoring
GeoCables will continue to actively monitor the submarine cables in the Fiji region, including Tonga Cable, Southern Cross NEXT, and other systems. Our focus remains on detecting potential delays in data transmission, identifying physical damage, and analyzing long-term impacts of seismic activity on cable infrastructure. Additionally, we will maintain vigilance over seismic events in the area to ensure rapid response to any emerging threats. The proactive monitoring of these critical systems underscores GeoCables' commitment to ensuring the stability and reliability of global communication networks.
