M4.4 Earthquake Near Lospalos, Timor Leste

Published: 7 days ago•Monday, October 19, 2026 at 5:20 PM UTC

A light magnitude 4.4 earthquake struck 147 km ENE of Lospalos, Timor Leste at a shallow crustal depth of 41.5 km, releasing seismic energy equivalent to approximately 60 tons of TNT. Tracked live on Earthquake Today, here is the verified USGS telemetry, interactive epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.

4.4MAG
Light EarthquakeShallow Crustal Event
Lospalos, Timor LesteTimor Leste(147 km ENE of)

Seismic Telemetry Specifications

Magnitude

4.4MB

Light Seismic Class

Focal Depth

41.5km

Crustal Layer

Epicenter

7.964° S, 128.213° E

GPS Coordinates

Energy Yield

60 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 4.4 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 EffectHigh Surface Energy (Crustal)

Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities

Lospalos, Timor Leste• 147 km (91.3 mi) WSW

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

MMI II • Very Weak
Lospalos• 147.6 km (91.7 mi) WSW

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

MMI II • Very Weak
Baucau• 201.2 km (125 mi) WSW

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

MMI II • Very Weak
Dili• 297.9 km (185.1 mi) WSW

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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What Does Magnitude 4.4 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?

Timor Leste's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Active arc-continent collision between the northern continental margin of Australia and the volcanic Banda Arc along the Wetar and Timor thrust zones. Major regional fault structures include Wetar Thrust, Timor Trough Subduction Zone, Alor Thrust.

Originating at a depth of 41.5 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 4.4. 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 Timor Leste 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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