4.5

M4.5 Earthquake 24 km ESE of Laraos, PeruApril 21, 2026

2026-04-21 16:18:55 UTC (6 hours ago)

On April 21, 2026 at 16:18 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 24 km ESE of Laraos, Peru, at a depth of 102.3 km and coordinates -12.4250°, -75.5727°. This earthquake was detected by 44 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

The epicenter is located in Peru, a region characterized by the northern Peru-Chile subduction zone, complicated by the subduction of the Nazca Ridge. The nearest mapped fault system is the Peru-Chile Trench. View all earthquakes in Peru.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Map showing earthquake epicenter at -12.43°, -75.57°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.5 mb
Depth
102.3 km
intermediate depth
Location
-12.4250°N
-75.5727°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000srv3
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
312
Stations Used
44
Azimuthal Gap
117.0°
Min Station Distance
1.315°
RMS Residual
0.74 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-21 18:11:50 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Laraos, Peru?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 24 km ESE of Laraos, Peru on April 21, 2026 at 16:18 UTC had a depth of 102.3 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -12.4250°, -75.5727°, which is 24 km ESE of Laraos, Peru. View all earthquakes in Peru.

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 Peru had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Peru was the M8.0 Arequipa earthquake of June 23, 2001. 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.