M4.4 Earthquake 33 km NNE of Mejillones, Chile — September 16, 2025
2025-09-16 23:53:09 UTC (2025-09-16) · approx. 6:53 PM UTC-5 local
On September 16, 2025 at 23:53 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 shallow crustal earthquake struck 33 km NNE of Mejillones, Chile, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates -22.8107°, -70.3668°.
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.
Earthquake Details
-70.3668°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Mejillones, Chile?
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 33 km NNE of Mejillones, Chile on September 16, 2025 at 23:53 UTC had a depth of 35.0 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.
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: us7000qwky). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, September 16, 2025). M4.4 Earthquake 33 km NNE of Mejillones, Chile — September 16, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000qwky/