Minor 3.1 Earthquake – El Salvador
A minor magnitude 3.1 earthquake struck near El Salvador on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 01:53:44 PM UTC. This shallow crustal event (27.0 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 674 kg of TNT. Here is the verified INET telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
Seismic Telemetry Specifications
3.1M
Minor Seismic Class
27.0km
Crustal Layer
13.120° N, 89.630° W
GPS Coordinates
674 kg
TNT Equivalent Power
INET
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 3.1 event is classified as a minor earthquake. Often felt by people indoors, especially on upper floors. Hanging objects may swing slightly; structural damage is extremely rare.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.
Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near El Salvador.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 3.1 Mean?
Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Logarithmic Energy Multiplier
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
El Salvador's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Cocos Plate subducting beneath the Caribbean Plate along the Middle America Trench, combined with the active El Salvador Fault Zone volcanic arc. Major regional fault structures include Middle America Trench, El Salvador Fault Zone (ESFZ).
Originating at a depth of 27.0 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.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Micro-tremors and minor events of this scale are part of ongoing background tectonic relaxation. While isolated micro-aftershocks may occur, the likelihood of a damaging secondary event remains statistically low under normal seismic conditions.
Never Miss Earthquake Updates on Google
Google Search FeatureAdd Earthquake Today as a Preferred Source in Google to see real-time seismic alerts, epicenter maps, and aftershock telemetry highlighted in Top Stories & AI Overviews.
Earthquake Safety Action Plan
Complete Safety Guide →- •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.
- •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.
- •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.
Explore Related Seismic Activity
Monitor live earthquakes, historical magnitude leaders, and regional tectonic activity across the globe.