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A light magnitude 4.2 earthquake struck 19 km NNW of Machala, Ecuador on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 05:23:23 PM UTC. This shallow crustal event (51.8 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 30 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(19 km NNW of)4.2MB
Light Seismic Class
51.8km
Crustal Layer
3.089° S, 79.995° W
GPS Coordinates
30 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 4.2 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.
Felt by many indoors. Dishes, windows rattle; walls make creaking sound.
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Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
This event occurred along the Peru-Chile (Andean) Subduction Zone, where the dense oceanic Nazca Plate slides eastward and plunges underneath the continental South American Plate at roughly 6 to 8 centimeters per year. This megathrust boundary is one of the most seismically active fault zones on Earth.
Originating at a depth of 51.8 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.2. 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 Ecuador are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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