M 5.3 - 13 km ESE of Kumamoto, Japan

Name: M 5.3 - 13 km ESE of Kumamoto, Japan
Start: 2016-04-15T16:33:20+00:00
Location: 13 km ESE of Kumamoto, Japan

April 15, 2016 at 16:33:20 UTC

Depth: 10.00 km (Shallow)

Key Takeaway

This moderate earthquake (M5.3) occurred 9 years ago near 13 km ESE of Kumamoto, Japan, at a depth of 10.00 km (shallow).

M 5.3

Moderate

N/A

PAGER Alert

Tsunami

N/A

Felt Reports

Event Details

Magnitude	5.3 mb
Depth	10.00 km (Shallow)
Location	32.7665N, 130.8229E
Tsunami Warning	No
Significance	432 / 3000
Status	Reviewed
Network	us
USGS Event Page	View on USGS →

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the magnitude of this earthquake?

This earthquake had a magnitude of 5.3, classified as "Moderate". Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings.

How deep was this earthquake?

This earthquake occurred at a depth of 10.00 km, classified as "Shallow". Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage at the surface because the energy has less distance to travel before reaching buildings and infrastructure.

Where exactly did this earthquake occur?

This earthquake occurred near 13 km ESE of Kumamoto, Japan, at coordinates 32.7665N, 130.8229E. The location is determined by analyzing seismic wave arrival times at multiple monitoring stations.

Were there aftershocks associated with this event?

Aftershock data for this specific event can be explored by viewing nearby recent earthquakes listed below on this page. Aftershocks are smaller earthquakes that occur in the same area following a larger event, and they can continue for days, weeks, or even months depending on the original earthquake's magnitude.

What does the magnitude of this earthquake mean in practical terms?

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake is classified as "Moderate" — these are widely felt and can cause damage to vulnerable structures, though well-built buildings typically withstand them.

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Data from the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (ComCat). QuakeScan is not affiliated with the USGS. Event details may be updated as new data becomes available.