M4.6 Depth: 55.5 km

M4.6 Earthquake near Northern Chile

UTC time: 2026-05-18 08:48:06 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On May 18, 2026 at 08:48 UTC, a magnitude M4.6 earthquake occurred near Northern Chile. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 55 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The event was recorded by USP.

Details

Magnitude

M4.6

Depth

55.5 km

UTC time

2026-05-18 08:48:06 UTC

Local time

—

Country

—

Source

usp

Coordinates

-20.61234, -69.53487

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

55.5 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Irruputuncu

Distance: 103 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 5'163 m ·Last eruption: 1995 ·Chile-Bolivia
Olca-Paruma

Distance: 122 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 5'705 m ·Chile-Bolivia
Isluga

Distance: 179 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 5'550 m ·Last eruption: 1913 ·Chile
Tata Sabaya

Distance: 195 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 5'430 m ·Bolivia
Guallatiri

Distance: 248 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 6'071 m ·Last eruption: 1960 ·Chile
Parinacota

Distance: 275 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 6'336 m ·Last eruption: 290 ·Chile-Bolivia

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

643

Country (24h)

—

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