M4.5 Earthquake Calama, Chile

On May 25, 2026 at 22:11 UTC, a magnitude 4.5 intermediate depth earthquake struck 15 km ENE of Calama, Chile, at a depth of 123.3 km and coordinates -22.3868°, -68.7974°. This earthquake was detected by 17 seismic stations with excellent location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 312, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 85 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 767 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 5.1 mainshock that occurred 7 days ago 26 km NE of Calama, Chile. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 9 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Chile, a region characterized by the Peru-Chile Trench, where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath South America at 65-80 mm per year. The nearest mapped fault system is the Peru-Chile Trench. View all earthquakes in Chile.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Calama, Chile?

The magnitude 4.5 earthquake that struck 15 km ENE of Calama, Chile on May 25, 2026 at 22:11 UTC had a depth of 123.3 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -22.3868°, -68.7974°, which is 15 km ENE of Calama, Chile. View all earthquakes in Chile.

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.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.1 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.5 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.1 mainshock that occurred earlier 26 km NE of Calama, Chile. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Chile had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Chile was the M9.5 Great Chilean earthquake of May 22, 1960. 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.

M4.5 Earthquake 15 km ENE of Calama, Chile — May 25, 2026

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