M4.6 Earthquake 62 km WNW of Abra Pampa, Argentina — May 17, 2026
2026-05-17 23:38:30 UTC (2 days ago) · approx. 7:38 PM UTC-4 local
On May 17, 2026 at 23:38 UTC, a magnitude 4.6 intermediate depth earthquake struck 62 km WNW of Abra Pampa, Argentina, at a depth of 259.6 km and coordinates -22.4603°, -66.2384°. This earthquake was detected by 36 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 326, placing it among routine seismic activity.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.6 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 120 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 899 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-66.2384°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Abra Pampa, Argentina?
The magnitude 4.6 earthquake that struck 62 km WNW of Abra Pampa, Argentina on May 17, 2026 at 23:38 UTC had a depth of 259.6 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at -22.4603°, -66.2384°, which is 62 km WNW of Abra Pampa, Argentina.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.6 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.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000syfr). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 17, 2026). M4.6 Earthquake 62 km WNW of Abra Pampa, Argentina — May 17, 2026. Retrieved May 20, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000syfr/