M4.4 Earthquake 144 km WSW of Houma, Tonga — January 17, 2026
2026-01-17 18:49:56 UTC (2026-01-17) · approx. 6:49 AM UTC-12 local
On January 17, 2026 at 18:49 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 intermediate depth earthquake struck 144 km WSW of Houma, Tonga, at a depth of 237.2 km and coordinates -21.4853°, -176.6490°.
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
-176.6490°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Houma, Tonga?
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 144 km WSW of Houma, Tonga on January 17, 2026 at 18:49 UTC had a depth of 237.2 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: us7000rqbj). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 17, 2026). M4.4 Earthquake 144 km WSW of Houma, Tonga — January 17, 2026. Retrieved May 5, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000rqbj/