M4.2 Earthquake 109 km NW of Vallenar, Chile — June 12, 2026
2026-06-12 04:23:25 UTC (4 hours ago) · approx. 11:23 PM UTC-5 local
On June 12, 2026 at 04:23 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 109 km NW of Vallenar, Chile, at a depth of 10.3 km and coordinates -27.8807°, -71.5587°.
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.
This earthquake is part of an ongoing aftershock sequence following the magnitude 5.5 mainshock that occurred 20 hours ago 128 km NW of Vallenar, Chile. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 4 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.
Earthquake Details
-71.5587°E
Technical Information
Nearby Earthquakes (Last 7 Days)
Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Vallenar, Chile?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 109 km NW of Vallenar, Chile on June 12, 2026 at 04:23 UTC had a depth of 10.3 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 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Is this the same earthquake as the M5.5 one earlier?
No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.5 mainshock that occurred earlier 128 km NW of Vallenar, Chile. 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.
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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: us7000ssef). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.
Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, June 12, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 109 km NW of Vallenar, Chile — June 12, 2026. Retrieved June 12, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000ssef/