M4.2 Earthquake 69 km ESE of Hitachi, Japan — May 20, 2026
2026-05-20 21:27:25 UTC (6 days ago) · approx. 6:27 AM UTC+9 local
On May 20, 2026 at 21:27 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 69 km ESE of Hitachi, Japan, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 36.3752°, 141.3757°.
Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.2 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 30 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 476 m — a useful intuition for the size of the slip patch on the fault.
Earthquake Details
141.3757°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Hitachi, Japan?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 69 km ESE of Hitachi, Japan on May 20, 2026 at 21:27 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 4.2 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 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.
Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000snnd). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, May 20, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 69 km ESE of Hitachi, Japan — May 20, 2026. Retrieved May 27, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000snnd/