M4.8 Earthquake Ovalle, Chile

On June 17, 2026 at 09:51 UTC, a magnitude 4.8 shallow crustal earthquake struck 26 km WSW of Ovalle, Chile, at a depth of 38.8 km and coordinates -30.6764°, -71.4648°. This earthquake was detected by 32 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 354, placing it among routine seismic activity.

Physical scale: An earthquake of magnitude 4.8 releases seismic energy equivalent to roughly 239 metric tons of TNT. Empirical fault-scaling laws (Wells & Coppersmith, 1994) estimate the subsurface rupture length at approximately 1.2 km — 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 5.0 mainshock that occurred 4 days ago 24 km W of Ovalle, Chile. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 2 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

The epicenter is located in Chile, a region characterized by the Peru-Chile Trench, where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath South America at 65-80 mm per year. The nearest mapped fault system is the Peru-Chile Trench. View all earthquakes in Chile.

Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.8 earthquake near Ovalle, Chile?

The magnitude 4.8 earthquake that struck 26 km WSW of Ovalle, Chile on June 17, 2026 at 09:51 UTC had a depth of 38.8 km. For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at -30.6764°, -71.4648°, which is 26 km WSW of Ovalle, Chile. View all earthquakes in Chile.

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.8 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.0 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.8 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.0 mainshock that occurred earlier 24 km W of Ovalle, Chile. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Has Chile had earthquakes this big before?

The largest recorded earthquake in Chile was the M9.5 Great Chilean earthquake of May 22, 1960. Today's magnitude 4.8 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.

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.

M4.8 Earthquake 26 km WSW of Ovalle, Chile — June 17, 2026

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