Light 4.6 Earthquake Near Puerto San José, Guatemala
A light magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck 31 km WSW of Puerto San José, Guatemala on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 05:24:31 AM UTC. This shallow crustal event (65.7 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 120 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(31 km WSW of)Seismic Telemetry Specifications
4.6MB
Light Seismic Class
65.7km
Crustal Layer
13.793° N, 91.077° W
GPS Coordinates
120 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 4.6 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 Across Nearby Communities
Felt by many indoors. Dishes, windows rattle; walls make creaking sound.
Felt indoors. Hanging objects swing slightly. Vibration like a passing light truck.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
Help seismologists and community members map real-world ground shaking near Guatemala.
Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 4.6 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?
Guatemala's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Triple junction intersection of North American Plate, Caribbean Plate, and Cocos Plate, marked by major strike-slip faults and subduction. Major regional fault structures include Motagua Fault, Chixoy-Polochic Fault, Middle America Trench, Jalpatagua Fault.
Originating at a depth of 65.7 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
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.6. 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 Guatemala are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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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.
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