M4.5 Earthquake Pampachiri, Peru

On September 26, 2025 at 13:44 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 36 km S of Pampachiri, Peru, at a depth of 88.5 km and coordinates -14.5097°, -73.6093°. This earthquake was detected by 31 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.

This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 6.7 mainshock that occurred 13 days ago 37 km NE of Tambo, Peru. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Peru, a region characterized by the northern Peru-Chile subduction zone, complicated by the subduction of the Nazca Ridge. The nearest mapped fault system is the Peru-Chile Trench. View all earthquakes in Peru.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Pampachiri, Peru?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 36 km S of Pampachiri, Peru on September 26, 2025 at 13:44 UTC had a depth of 88.5 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -14.5097°, -73.6093°, which is 36 km S of Pampachiri, Peru. View all earthquakes in Peru.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.5 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M6.7 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.7 mainshock that occurred earlier 37 km NE of Tambo, Peru. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Peru had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Peru was the M8.0 Arequipa earthquake of June 23, 2001. Today's magnitude 4.5 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

M4.5 Earthquake 36 km S of Pampachiri, Peru — September 26, 2025

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