M4.9 Earthquake Near La Tirana, Bolivia

Published: 2 hours ago•Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:36 PM UTC

A light magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck 100 km E of La Tirana, Bolivia at a depth of 119.5 km (intermediate focal zone), releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 338 tons of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified USGS telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.

4.9MAG
Light EarthquakeIntermediate Focal Depth
La Tirana, BoliviaBolivia(100 km E of)

Seismic Telemetry Specifications

Magnitude

4.9MB

Light Seismic Class

Focal Depth

119.5km

Upper Mantle

Epicenter

20.344° S, 68.690° W

GPS Coordinates

Energy Yield

338 tons

TNT Equivalent Power

Network Source

USGS

USGS Real-time Feed

Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map

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USGS Source

Is This Earthquake Dangerous?

A magnitude 4.9 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.

Estimated Shaking Radius~50–100 km
Potential Damage Zone< 15 km (very minor)
Focal Depth EffectModerate Damping

Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities

La Tirana, Bolivia• 100 km (62.1 mi) W

Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.

MMI III • Weak
Calama• 235.9 km (146.6 mi) S

Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.

MMI II • Very Weak

Did You Feel This Earthquake?

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Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.

What Does Magnitude 4.9 Mean?

Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:

1.0 – 2.9Micro
3.0 – 3.9Minor
4.0 – 4.9Light
This Event
5.0 – 5.9Moderate
6.0 – 6.9Strong
7.0 – 7.9Major
8.0+Great

Logarithmic Energy Multiplier

Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:

10× Ground Motion Amplitude
The seismograph wave amplitude jumps tenfold for every 1.0 magnitude step.
~31.6× Radiated Kinetic Energy
Total energy release multiplies exponentially (101.5 &approx; 31.62 times per unit).

Why Did This Earthquake Happen?

Bolivia's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Subduction of the oceanic Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate generating both shallow thrust quakes in the Subandean fold belt and deep Wadati-Benioff megaquakes. Major regional fault structures include Subandean Thrust Belt, Mandeyapecua Fault, Cordillera Real Faults.

Originating at a depth of 119.5 km (Upper Mantle / Wadati-Benioff Zone (70–300 km)), this rupture occurred originated within the descending oceanic plate inside the upper mantle. shaking radiates over a wider geographic area with attenuated high frequencies.

Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors

Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.9. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Bolivia are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.

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Earthquake Safety Action Plan

Complete Safety Guide →
During the Shaking
  • •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
  • •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
  • •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
Immediately After
  • •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
  • •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
  • •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
Preparation & Kits
  • •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
  • •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
  • •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.

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