M 5.3 - 43 km WSW of Illapel, Chile

Name: M 5.3 - 43 km WSW of Illapel, Chile
Start: 2012-01-17T23:23:23+00:00
Location: 43 km WSW of Illapel, Chile

January 17, 2012 at 23:23:23 UTC

Depth: 34.30 km (Shallow)

Key Takeaway

This moderate earthquake (M5.3) occurred 14 years ago near 43 km WSW of Illapel, Chile, at a depth of 34.30 km (shallow).

M 5.3

Moderate

N/A

PAGER Alert

Tsunami

N/A

Felt Reports

Event Details

Magnitude	5.3 mb
Depth	34.30 km (Shallow)
Location	-31.7280S, 71.6150W
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 34.30 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 43 km WSW of Illapel, Chile, at coordinates -31.7280S, 71.6150W. 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.