M4.4 Earthquake 68 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan — May 17, 2026
2026-05-17 02:42:13 UTC (6 days ago) · approx. 11:42 AM UTC+9 local
On May 17, 2026 at 02:42 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 shallow crustal earthquake struck 68 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan, at a depth of 38.7 km and coordinates 38.7620°, 142.4021°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 60 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 655 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 6.7 mainshock that occurred 8 days ago 49 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 0 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for weeks to months as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
142.4021°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Ōfunato, Japan?
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 68 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan on May 17, 2026 at 02:42 UTC had a depth of 38.7 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 4.4 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M6.7 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.4 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 6.7 mainshock that occurred earlier 49 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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 4.4 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us6000szik). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 17, 2026). M4.4 Earthquake 68 km ESE of Ōfunato, Japan — May 17, 2026. Retrieved May 23, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us6000szik/