M5.6 Earthquake 113 km E of Miyako, Japan — April 20, 2026
2026-04-20 08:32:46 UTC (4 hours ago)
Felt by 2 people across nearby locations. Aftershock of the M7.4 mainshock.
On April 20, 2026 at 08:32 UTC, a magnitude 5.6 shallow crustal earthquake struck 113 km E of Miyako, Japan, at a depth of 24.5 km and coordinates 39.6393°, 143.2591°. The earthquake was reported felt by 2 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 3.5 (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 36 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 483, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Kuji (population 32,813).
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 7.4 mainshock that occurred 4 hours ago 100 km ENE of Miyako, Japan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for months to years as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
The epicenter is located in Japan, a region characterized by the intersection of four tectonic plates — Pacific, Philippine Sea, Eurasian, and North American — creating multiple subduction zones. The nearest mapped fault system is the Japan Trench. View all earthquakes in Japan.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
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Earthquake Details
143.2591°E
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 5.6 earthquake near Miyako, Japan?
The magnitude 5.6 earthquake that struck 113 km E of Miyako, Japan on April 20, 2026 at 08:32 UTC had a depth of 24.5 km. It was felt by 2 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 3.5 (light). For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 39.6393°, 143.2591°, which is 113 km E of Miyako, Japan. The nearest populated place is Kuji (population 32,813). View all earthquakes in Japan.
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.
Is this the same earthquake as the M7.4 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 5.6 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 7.4 mainshock that occurred earlier 100 km ENE of Miyako, Japan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
Has Japan had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Japan was the M9.1 Tohoku earthquake of March 11, 2011. Today's magnitude 5.6 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.