M4.0 Earthquake 159 km SSW of Al Hufūf, Saudi Arabia — December 16, 2025
2025-12-16 22:11:23 UTC (2025-12-16) · approx. 1:11 AM UTC+3 local
On December 16, 2025 at 22:11 UTC, a magnitude 4.0 shallow crustal earthquake struck 159 km SSW of Al Hufūf, Saudi Arabia, at a depth of 10.0 km and coordinates 23.9928°, 49.1093°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.0 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 15 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 347 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
49.1093°E
Technical Information
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.0 earthquake near Al Hufūf, Saudi Arabia?
The magnitude 4.0 earthquake that struck 159 km SSW of Al Hufūf, Saudi Arabia on December 16, 2025 at 22:11 UTC had a depth of 10.0 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 4.0 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.
Actions
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.0 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000rnpf). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2025, December 16, 2025). M4.0 Earthquake 159 km SSW of Al Hufūf, Saudi Arabia — December 16, 2025. Retrieved May 24, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000rnpf/