M4.2 Earthquake 295 km NNE of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands — January 19, 2026
2026-01-19 20:38:00 UTC (2026-01-19) · approx. 6:38 AM UTC+10 local
On January 19, 2026 at 20:38 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 295 km NNE of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, at a depth of 52.2 km and coordinates 17.6454°, 146.8842°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
146.8842°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 295 km NNE of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands on January 19, 2026 at 20:38 UTC had a depth of 52.2 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 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
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. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000s6gt). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 19, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 295 km NNE of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands — January 19, 2026. Retrieved May 12, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000s6gt/