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Chile · Región de Antofagasta

M4.2 Earthquake near María Elena, Región de Antofagasta (Chile)

UTC time: 2026-03-21 18:33:46 UTC Local time: —
Magnitude
M4.2
Depth
60.9 km
Source
EMSC

Región de Antofagasta · María Elena

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About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.2 earthquake was recorded near María Elena, Región de Antofagasta (Chile) on March 21, 2026 at 18:33 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 61 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The event was recorded by EMSC. Chile: 24 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.9.

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 60.9 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 60.9 km
Shallow
60.9 km
60.9 km — shallower than the regional average (99.3 km)
Regional average: 99.3 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

  • Sairecabur
    Distance: 206 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 5'961 m ·Chile-Bolivia
  • Putana
    Distance: 208 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 5'884 m ·Last eruption: 1810 ·Chile
  • Licancabur
    Distance: 210 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 5'916 m ·Chile-Bolivia
  • Olca-Paruma
    Distance: 221 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 5'705 m ·Chile-Bolivia
  • Purico Complex
    Distance: 228 km ·Shield(pyroclastic) ·Elevation: 5'703 m ·Chile
  • Irruputuncu
    Distance: 230 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 5'163 m ·Last eruption: 1995 ·Chile-Bolivia

Región de Antofagasta

Context for this earthquake

07 Sep 2025 – 07 Sep 2026 · M ≥ 3.0 · 769 Catalogue entries

Of 768 other entries for this area and period, 88 have a higher stored magnitude. Different magnitude types and reports not yet merged limit the comparison.

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Historic earthquake map · Chile

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