M4.3 Earthquake 166 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia — January 16, 2026
2026-01-16 20:39:08 UTC (2026-01-16) · approx. 7:39 AM UTC+11 local
On January 16, 2026 at 20:39 UTC, a magnitude 4.3 shallow crustal earthquake struck 166 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, at a depth of 26.9 km and coordinates 53.0749°, 161.1091°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 43 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 558 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 5.8 mainshock that occurred 20 days ago 156 km ESE of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 5 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
161.1091°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.3 earthquake near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia?
The magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck 166 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia on January 16, 2026 at 20:39 UTC had a depth of 26.9 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.3 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.8 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.3 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.8 mainshock that occurred earlier 156 km ESE of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.3 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000s67e). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 16, 2026). M4.3 Earthquake 166 km E of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia — January 16, 2026. Retrieved April 18, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000s67e/