M4.4 Earthquake 131 km ENE of Miyako, Japan — April 23, 2026
2026-04-23 22:18:22 UTC (2026-04-23) · approx. 8:18 AM UTC+10 local
On April 23, 2026 at 22:18 UTC, a magnitude 4.4 shallow crustal earthquake struck 131 km ENE of Miyako, Japan, at a depth of 32.3 km and coordinates 40.0847°, 143.3699°.
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.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred 14 days ago 103 km ENE of Miyako, Japan. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 12 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
143.3699°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.4 earthquake near Miyako, Japan?
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake that struck 131 km ENE of Miyako, Japan on April 23, 2026 at 22:18 UTC had a depth of 32.3 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.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.2 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.4 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.2 mainshock that occurred earlier 103 km ENE of Miyako, Japan. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.
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
Location
Understanding This Data
Magnitude 4.4 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000shaq). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, April 23, 2026). M4.4 Earthquake 131 km ENE of Miyako, Japan — April 23, 2026. Retrieved May 19, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000shaq/