M4.1 Earthquake 241 km SW of Houma, Tonga — January 2, 2026
2026-01-02 23:43:58 UTC (2026-01-02) · approx. 11:43 AM UTC-12 local
On January 2, 2026 at 23:43 UTC, a magnitude 4.1 intermediate depth earthquake struck 241 km SW of Houma, Tonga, at a depth of 195.9 km and coordinates -22.6606°, -177.0097°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.1 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 21 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 406 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
-177.0097°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.1 earthquake near Houma, Tonga?
The magnitude 4.1 earthquake that struck 241 km SW of Houma, Tonga on January 2, 2026 at 23:43 UTC had a depth of 195.9 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 4.1 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 4.1 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000rrf9). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, January 2, 2026). M4.1 Earthquake 241 km SW of Houma, Tonga — January 2, 2026. Retrieved May 14, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000rrf9/