Earthquakes on March 20, 2026: 262 Worldwide, Largest M6.5

Time ↓	Mag ↕	Location ↕	Depth ↕	Felt ↕	MMI	Alert	Status	Details
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 23:50:45 UTC	2.9ml	85 km SW of Atka, Alaska 51.629°, -175.043°	35.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
This magnitude 2.9 event was detected 85 km SW of Atka, Alaska on March 20, 2026, with origin time 23:50 UTC. The event originated approximately 35.0 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 51.629°, -175.043°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.9 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 23:31:21 UTC	4.5mb	16 km W of Lixoúri, Greece 38.217°, 20.253°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Seismographs logged a magnitude 4.5 earthquake 16 km W of Lixoúri, Greece with origin time 23:31 UTC on March 20, 2026. The event originated approximately 10.0 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 38.217°N, 20.253°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 23:16:26 UTC	2.5ml	81 km SSW of Adak, Alaska 51.258°, -177.259°	35.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 23:16 UTC on March 20, 2026, a magnitude 2.5 tremor occurred 81 km SSW of Adak, Alaska. The hypocenter lay at 35.0 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The epicenter is at 51.258°, -177.259°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 22:42:13 UTC	2.7ml	115 km ESE of Akutan, Alaska 53.704°, -164.179°	44.5 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
The USGS recorded this magnitude 2.7 earthquake 115 km ESE of Akutan, Alaska at 22:42 UTC on March 20, 2026. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 44.5 km depth. The epicenter is at 53.704°, -164.179°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.7 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 22:31:41 UTC	2.9ml	55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico 31.672°, -104.405°	7.1 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 2.9 earthquake 55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico came in on March 20, 2026 at 22:31 UTC. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 3.0 earthquake that occurred about 20 hours earlier. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 7.1 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 31.672°N, -104.405°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.9 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 22:31:20 UTC	2.9ml	55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico 31.672°, -104.406°	7.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.9 seismic event took place 55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico on March 20, 2026 at 22:31 UTC. Coming 20 hours after a magnitude 3.0 earthquake in the immediate vicinity, it is most likely an aftershock of that larger rupture. The hypocenter lay at 7.0 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 31.672°, -104.406°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.9 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 22:29:40 UTC	2.2ml	54 km S of Whites City, New Mexico 31.681°, -104.401°	5.8 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Seismographs logged a magnitude 2.2 earthquake 54 km S of Whites City, New Mexico with origin time 22:29 UTC on March 20, 2026. It arrived roughly 20 hours after a larger magnitude 3.0 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. The event originated approximately 5.8 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 31.681°, -104.401°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.2 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 22:17:06 UTC	4.4mb	272 km SW of Houma, Tonga -22.777°, -177.303°	248.9 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 4.4 earthquake 272 km SW of Houma, Tonga came in on March 20, 2026 at 22:17 UTC. This was a intermediate depth earthquake, focused at 248.9 km depth. The offshore location combined with this depth is characteristic of seismicity along descending slabs. The epicenter is at -22.777°, -177.303°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.4 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 22:16:52 UTC	4.3mb	134 km SSW of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia 49.493°, 155.704°	56.6 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 22:16 UTC on March 20, 2026, a magnitude 4.3 tremor occurred 134 km SSW of Severo-Kuril’sk, Russia. The event originated approximately 56.6 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. Geolocation places the event at 49.493°N, 155.704°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.3 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 21:52:56 UTC	2.6ml	55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico 31.680°, -104.399°	6.1 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.6 earthquake was recorded 55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico on March 20, 2026 at 21:52 UTC. It arrived roughly 19 hours after a larger magnitude 3.0 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. At a depth of 6.1 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 31.680°, -104.399°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 21:51:37 UTC	2.4md	11 km S of Woodlake, Virginia 37.318°, -77.664°	0.0 km	40	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.4 earthquake was recorded 11 km S of Woodlake, Virginia on March 20, 2026 at 21:51 UTC. Of every earthquake currently listed for worldwide seismic activity, this one generated the most felt reports from the public. Nearby residents submitted 40 felt reports to the USGS DYFI platform. At a depth of just 0.0 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 37.318°N, -77.664°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.4 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 21:19:21 UTC	4.6mb	13 km NNE of Uken, Japan 28.411°, 129.295°	58.7 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On March 20, 2026, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 4.6 earthquake 13 km NNE of Uken, Japan at 21:19 UTC. At a depth of 58.7 km, the event was shallow crustal. Geolocation places the event at 28.411°N, 129.295°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 20:38:52 UTC	4.1mwr	71 km WNW of Puerto, Chile -20.016°, -70.805°	29.1 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 4.1 seismic event took place 71 km WNW of Puerto, Chile on March 20, 2026 at 20:38 UTC. It arrived roughly 1 hours after a larger magnitude 4.8 mainshock in the same 20 km area, placing it within the typical aftershock window. The hypocenter lay at 29.1 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. The epicenter is at -20.016°, -70.805°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 20:32:26 UTC	4.1mb	71 km NW of Kangding, China 30.489°, 101.476°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
March 20, 2026 brought a magnitude 4.1 earthquake 71 km NW of Kangding, China, logged at 20:32 UTC. At a depth of 10.0 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 30.489°N, 101.476°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.1 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 20:11:20 UTC	3.5ml	230 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska 51.956°, 176.251°	6.3 km	-	I	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
The USGS recorded this magnitude 3.5 earthquake 230 km ESE of Attu Station, Alaska at 20:11 UTC on March 20, 2026. On the Modified Mercalli scale, shaking reached 1.5 — considered weak. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 6.3 km depth. Geolocation places the event at 51.956°N, 176.251°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M3.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 20:06:54 UTC	4.8mww	87 km WNW of Puerto, Chile -19.985°, -70.958°	16.4 km	3	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 4.8 earthquake 87 km WNW of Puerto, Chile came in on March 20, 2026 at 20:06 UTC. A small number of nearby observers (3) submitted felt reports to the USGS. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 16.4 km depth. Geolocation places the event at -19.985°N, -70.958°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.8 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 19:55:20 UTC	4.6mb	102 km WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu -19.257°, 168.357°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
At 19:55 UTC on March 20, 2026, a magnitude 4.6 tremor occurred 102 km WNW of Isangel, Vanuatu. Coming 17 hours after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake in the immediate vicinity, it is most likely an aftershock of that larger rupture. The event originated approximately 10.0 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. Coordinates: -19.257°, 168.357°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 19:17:19 UTC	2.7ml	95 km SSE of Sand Point, Alaska 54.501°, -160.169°	35.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
This magnitude 2.7 event was detected 95 km SSE of Sand Point, Alaska on March 20, 2026, with origin time 19:17 UTC. The hypocenter lay at 35.0 km, placing this in the shallow crustal category. Geolocation places the event at 54.501°N, -160.169°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.7 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 18:45:34 UTC	2.0ml	106 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.501°, -139.653°	0.5 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.0 earthquake was recorded 106 km N of Yakutat, Alaska on March 20, 2026 at 18:45 UTC. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 2.1 earthquake that occurred about 14 hours earlier. At a depth of just 0.5 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 60.501°N, -139.653°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 18:32:08 UTC	4.7mb	76 km WNW of Madang, Papua New Guinea -4.905°, 145.176°	112.6 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On March 20, 2026 at 18:32 UTC, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck 76 km WNW of Madang, Papua New Guinea. The event originated approximately 112.6 km below the surface, classifying it as intermediate depth. Geolocation places the event at -4.905°N, 145.176°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.7 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 18:26:47 UTC	4.6mb	15 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu -14.981°, 166.939°	43.2 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
The USGS recorded this magnitude 4.6 earthquake 15 km WNW of Port-Olry, Vanuatu at 18:26 UTC on March 20, 2026. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 43.2 km depth. The epicenter is at -14.981°, 166.939°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.6 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 18:01:31 UTC	2.5ml	55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico 31.676°, -104.396°	5.4 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
The USGS recorded this magnitude 2.5 earthquake 55 km S of Whites City, New Mexico at 18:01 UTC on March 20, 2026. This event falls inside the aftershock decay of a nearby magnitude 3.0 earthquake that occurred about 15 hours earlier. At a depth of 5.4 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 31.676°N, -104.396°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 18:01:28 UTC	2.0ml	4 km W of Lake Henshaw, CA 33.243°, -116.810°	10.3 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
March 20, 2026 brought a magnitude 2.0 earthquake 4 km W of Lake Henshaw, CA, logged at 18:01 UTC. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 10.3 km depth. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 33.243°, -116.810°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.0 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:33:01 UTC	2.2ml	57 km WSW of Denali National Park, Alaska 63.382°, -152.822°	1.4 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
On March 20, 2026, worldwide seismic activity registered a magnitude 2.2 earthquake 57 km WSW of Denali National Park, Alaska at 17:33 UTC. At a depth of just 1.4 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. Geolocation places the event at 63.382°N, -152.822°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.2 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:22:47 UTC	2.5ml	200 km WSW of Yakutat, Alaska 58.604°, -142.712°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
This magnitude 2.5 event was detected 200 km WSW of Yakutat, Alaska on March 20, 2026, with origin time 17:22 UTC. The event originated approximately 10.0 km below the surface, classifying it as shallow crustal. Coordinates: 58.604°, -142.712°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:19:44 UTC	2.5ml	121 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.635°, -139.942°	0.8 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 2.5 earthquake 121 km N of Yakutat, Alaska came in on March 20, 2026 at 17:19 UTC. At a depth of just 0.8 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 60.635°, -139.942°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:14:46 UTC	3.4ml	86 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska 52.441°, -169.849°	13.7 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
Reports of a magnitude 3.4 earthquake 86 km SW of Nikolski, Alaska came in on March 20, 2026 at 17:14 UTC. At a depth of 13.7 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. The epicenter is at 52.441°, -169.849°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M3.4 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:13:44 UTC	4.2mb	56 km NNE of Ternate, Indonesia 1.284°, 127.531°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
March 20, 2026 brought a magnitude 4.2 earthquake 56 km NNE of Ternate, Indonesia, logged at 17:13 UTC. This was a shallow crustal earthquake, focused at 10.0 km depth. The epicenter is at 1.284°, 127.531°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M4.2 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:09:50 UTC	2.5ml	133 km N of Yakutat, Alaska 60.743°, -139.804°	1.6 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
A magnitude 2.5 seismic event took place 133 km N of Yakutat, Alaska on March 20, 2026 at 17:09 UTC. At a depth of just 1.6 km, this was a very shallow event, close enough to the surface that modest magnitudes can produce significant local shaking. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Geolocation places the event at 60.743°N, -139.804°E. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.
2026-03-20 2026-03-20 17:04:30 UTC	2.5ml	249 km SW of Yakutat, Alaska 57.923°, -142.696°	10.0 km	-	-	-	✓ Reviewed	USGS →
March 20, 2026 brought a magnitude 2.5 earthquake 249 km SW of Yakutat, Alaska, logged at 17:04 UTC. At a depth of 10.0 km, the event was shallow crustal. The event was offshore — common for earthquakes along subduction zones and transform plate boundaries. Coordinates: 57.923°, -142.696°. The solution has been reviewed by a USGS seismologist and is considered finalized. See the M2.5 event page for the full report, ShakeMap, and citizen-reported intensity data.

Legend:

Mag: Magnitude ({magType} = ml, mb, mw, etc.)

Felt: Number of DYFI felt reports

MMI: Modified Mercalli Intensity (I-X+)

Alert: PAGER alert level

Depth: Shallow (<70km), Intermediate, Deep (>300km)

Status: Auto = preliminary, Reviewed = verified by seismologist

Click any row to see additional technical details.

About This Page

This page shows all earthquakes recorded by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program during the 24-hour UTC period on March 20, 2026. Data includes all events of magnitude 1.0 or greater. Past earthquake data is considered final after review by USGS seismologists.

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