M4.0 Depth: 24.0 km

M4.0 Earthquake near Chalatenango Sur, Chalatenango (El Salvador)

UTC time: 2026-01-16 06:45:20 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M4.0 earthquake was recorded near Chalatenango Sur, Chalatenango (El Salvador) on January 16, 2026 at 06:45 UTC. With a focal depth of about 24 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Tremors of this size are distinctly felt and can occasionally cause light damage.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks.

Details

Magnitude

M4.0

Depth

24.0 km

UTC time

2026-01-16 06:45:20 UTC

Local time

—

Country

El Salvador

State

Chalatenango

City

Chalatenango Sur

County

Las Vueltas

Source

emsc

Coordinates

14.06920, -88.87510

Temperature

17.6°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

24 km

24 km — shallower than the regional average (53.8 km)

Regional average: 53.8 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

Volcanoes nearby

Cinotepeque, Cerro

Distance: 41 km ·Volcanic field ·Elevation: 665 m ·El Salvador
Ilopango

Distance: 48 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 450 m ·Last eruption: 1880 ·El Salvador
San Vicente

Distance: 53 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'149 m ·El Salvador
San Salvador

Distance: 59 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'893 m ·Last eruption: 1917 ·El Salvador
Tecapa

Distance: 76 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'593 m ·El Salvador
Coatepeque Caldera

Distance: 76 km ·Caldera ·Elevation: 746 m ·El Salvador

Historic earthquake map · El Salvador

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · El Salvador

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

670

Country (24h)