A trio of earthquakes struck across the South Pacific, with the biggest earthquake a few hundred miles off of Survivor’s Fiji island locations.
Among the reasons why keeping Survivor in just one location is a detriment to the show and its history of multiple locations is the fact that a major weather event could undo production in a way that has long-lasting effects. Fiji came close to encountering such an event on Sunday, but thankfully, there were a series of fortunate circumstances that prevented major reports of damage or loss of life.
As reported by CNBC, an 8.2-magnitude earthquake struck close to Fiji and Tonga. Normally, that kind of earthquake produces several gigatons of seismic energy capable of massive damage and destroying buildings and most forms of roadways if done at surface level. Thankfully, the earthquake itself was 347.7 miles below the surface, mitigating most of the impact.
No damage is expected, which is amazing news for the people of Fiji. Though Survivor often films two seasons almost back to back from each other (cycle one starts from late-March to mid-May, the other starts from early-June to mid-July), members of the crew live in the various islands and countries surrounding Fiji, meaning their livelihoods could have been impacted should the quake have been closer to surface level.
Survivor has been filming on the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji ever since the Millennials vs. Gen season, following suit with Game Changers, Heroes vs. Healers vs. Hustlers and Ghost Island. The two upcoming seasons of the show, David vs. Goliath and the rumored title for season 38, Edge of Extinction, were also filmed there, making six straight seasons in the same location.
It’s the longest time the show has stayed in one location, surpassing Upolu, Samoa’s two back-to-back stints for seasons 19-20 and 23-24. It’s also the seventh season in the country of Fiji, as the titular Survivor season was filmed in and around Macuata.