5.6

M5.6 Earthquake 72 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, ArgentinaMarch 21, 2026

2026-03-21 10:00:37 UTC (2026-03-21)

Felt by 3 people across nearby locations.

green Alertno significant casualties or damage expected

On March 21, 2026 at 10:00 UTC, a magnitude 5.6 intermediate depth earthquake struck 72 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina, at a depth of 191.9 km and coordinates -24.0161°, -66.9940°. The earthquake was reported felt by 3 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 3.4 (light). The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 97 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 483, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is San Antonio de los Cobres (population 5,482).

Nearest Populated Places

San Antonio de los Cobrespop. 5,482
MMI 2.8 (weak)
San Pedro de Atacamapop. 5,347
MMI 2.7 (weak)
Rosario de Lermapop. 21,592
MMI 2.7 (weak)
Abra Pampapop. 9,425
MMI 2.7 (weak)
Susquespop. 1,093
MMI 2.7 (weak)
Cachipop. 5,254
MMI 2.6 (weak)
Map showing earthquake epicenter at -24.02°, -66.99°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.6 mww
Depth
191.9 km
intermediate depth
Location
-24.0161°N
-66.9940°E
Felt Reports
3
DYFI responses
Intensity (MMI)
3.4
light
Community Intensity
2.7
CDI from reports

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000si4j
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
483
Stations Used
97
Azimuthal Gap
34.0°
Min Station Distance
1.518°
RMS Residual
0.88 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-05 06:20:13 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.6 earthquake near San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina?

The magnitude 5.6 earthquake that struck 72 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina on March 21, 2026 at 10:00 UTC had a depth of 191.9 km. It was felt by 3 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 3.4 (light). For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -24.0161°, -66.9940°, which is 72 km WNW of San Antonio de los Cobres, Argentina. The nearest populated place is San Antonio de los Cobres (population 5,482).

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.6 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks 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.