M5.5 Depth: 14.8 km

M5.5 Earthquake near Saint Helena, Ascension en Tristan da Cunha [Sea]

UTC time: 2026-06-20 06:43:20 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On June 20, 2026 at 06:43 UTC, a magnitude M5.5 earthquake occurred near Saint Helena, Ascension en Tristan da Cunha [Sea]. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 15 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude can damage poorly built structures.

The event was recorded by INGV.

Details

Magnitude

M5.5

Depth

14.8 km

UTC time

2026-06-20 06:43:20 UTC

Local time

—

Country

—

Source

ingv

Coordinates

-6.84141, -12.88830

Temperature

25.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

14.8 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

Estimated impact

Green No or minimal impact expected.

Ground shaking

III

Weak · Intensity (MMI) III

Felt by a few, no damage.

Tectonic context

Located on the South America Plate.

Near the boundary Africa ↔ South America · about 37 km away

Volcanoes nearby

Ascension

Distance: 204 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 822 m ·Last eruption: 1508 ·United Kingdom

Historical context nearby

Comparison with recorded earthquakes before this event within 150 km.

Magnitude rank#2

Earlier events M≥49

Earlier events M≥58

Compared since2025-05-19

The QuakeMap24 comparison dataset begins on 2024-03-23. Earlier earthquakes may not be included.

Strongest earlier events

M5.62026-06-20 06:43:18 UTC43.9 kmAscension Island Region M5.52026-06-20 06:43:17 UTC47.4 km160 km NE of Georgetown, Saint Helena M5.32026-06-20 06:43:19 UTC33.4 kmAscension Island Region M5.32026-06-20 06:43:18 UTC31.6 kmAscension Island Region M5.22026-06-20 06:43:18 UTC59.7 kmEvent of magnitude 5.2, near Monrovia (Monde)

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

689

Country (24h)

—

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