4.2

M4.2 Earthquake 66 km SW of Puerto Madero, MexicoJuly 18, 2026

2026-07-18 07:46:19 UTC (1 hour ago) · approx. 1:46 AM UTC-6 local

MagnitudeM4.2(mb)
Time07:46 UTC1:46 AM UTC-6
Depth35.0 kmshallow crustal
Coordinates14.363°, -92.920°
Felt byNo felt reports
Status✓ Reviewed by USGS

On July 18, 2026 at 07:46 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 shallow crustal earthquake struck 66 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico, at a depth of 35.0 km and coordinates 14.3626°, -92.9198°.

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 5.3 mainshock that occurred 2 hours ago 87 km WSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico. Since the mainshock, the USGS has recorded 14 aftershocks in this area. Aftershock activity is expected to continue for days to weeks as stresses on surrounding faults redistribute.

Map showing earthquake epicenter at 14.36°, -92.92°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
4.2 mb
Depth
35.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
14.3626°N
-92.9198°E

Technical Information

Event ID
us7000t1ke
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
271
Stations Used
47
Azimuthal Gap
203.0°
Min Station Distance
3.080°
RMS Residual
0.53 sec
Last Updated
2026-07-18 08:23:29 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Puerto Madero, Mexico?

The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 66 km SW of Puerto Madero, Mexico on July 18, 2026 at 07:46 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.

Is this the same earthquake as the M5.3 one earlier?

No. This magnitude 4.2 earthquake is an aftershock of the larger magnitude 5.3 mainshock that occurred earlier 87 km WSW of Puerto Madero, Mexico. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes triggered by stress changes from the mainshock.

Understanding This Data

Magnitude 4.2 earthquakes are often felt but rarely cause damage.

Learn more about magnitude →

Authoritative source: USGS event page (event ID: us7000t1ke). All scientific values on this page are sourced verbatim from the USGS feed.

Cite this page: EarthquakeTracker.org. (2026, July 18, 2026). M4.2 Earthquake 66 km SW of Puerto Madero, MexicoJuly 18, 2026. Retrieved July 18, 2026 from https://www.earthquaketracker.org/earthquakes/event/us7000t1ke/