5.2

M5.2 Earthquake north of Ascension IslandApril 16, 2026

2026-04-16 20:36:42 UTC (2 days ago)

On April 16, 2026 at 20:36 UTC, a magnitude 5.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck north of Ascension Island, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 0.0245°, -16.4939°. This earthquake was detected by 79 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 416, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 0.02°, -16.49°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.2 mb
Depth
10.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
0.0245°N
-16.4939°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sqml
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
416
Stations Used
79
Azimuthal Gap
76.0°
Min Station Distance
14.377°
RMS Residual
0.48 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-17 17:19:27 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.2 earthquake north of Ascension Island?

The magnitude 5.2 earthquake that struck north of Ascension Island on April 16, 2026 at 20:36 UTC had a depth of 10.0 km. For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 0.0245°, -16.4939°, which is north of Ascension Island.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.2 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.