4.5

M4.5 Earthquake 20 km N of Ollagüe, ChileApril 18, 2026

2026-04-18 02:08:08 UTC (1 day ago)

On April 18, 2026 at 02:08 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 20 km N of Ollagüe, Chile, at a depth of 118.1 km and coordinates -21.0410°, -68.2538°. This earthquake was detected by 29 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

The epicenter is located in Chile, a region characterized by the Peru-Chile Trench, where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath South America at 65-80 mm per year. The nearest mapped fault system is the Peru-Chile Trench. View all earthquakes in Chile.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -21.04°, -68.25°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.5 mb
Depth
118.1 km
intermediate depth
Location
-21.0410°N
-68.2538°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sr12
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
312
Stations Used
29
Azimuthal Gap
81.0°
Min Station Distance
1.152°
RMS Residual
1.20 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-18 02:28:45 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Ollagüe, Chile?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 20 km N of Ollagüe, Chile on April 18, 2026 at 02:08 UTC had a depth of 118.1 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -21.0410°, -68.2538°, which is 20 km N of Ollagüe, Chile. View all earthquakes in Chile.

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.

Has Chile had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Chile was the M9.5 Great Chilean earthquake of May 22, 1960. Today's magnitude 4.5 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

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.