M4.2 Earthquake 33 km W of Ollagüe, Chile — May 17, 2026
2026-05-17 09:36:58 UTC (3 days ago) · approx. 4:36 AM UTC-5 local
On May 17, 2026 at 09:36 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 33 km W of Ollagüe, Chile, at a depth of 140.6 km and coordinates -21.1961°, -68.5782°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-68.5782°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Ollagüe, Chile?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 33 km W of Ollagüe, Chile on May 17, 2026 at 09:36 UTC had a depth of 140.6 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days 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.
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Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000syd0). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 17, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 33 km W of Ollagüe, Chile — May 17, 2026. Retrieved May 21, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000syd0/