Recent earthquakes in Ecuador
Ecuador sits where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate along the country's Pacific coast, driving both offshore megathrust earthquakes and volcanism in the Andes. The 1906 Esmeraldas earthquake off the northern coast, magnitude 8.8, ranks among the largest ever recorded. The 2016 Muisne earthquake (M7.8) struck the same coastal region. In the past 24 hours, Ecuador has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.7 | Sep 10, 10:39 UTC | 22 km | 116 km WSW of Alianza Cristiana, Peru |
| M5.3 | Sep 10, 06:42 UTC | 10 km | 126 km WSW of Alianza Cristiana, Peru |
Notable recent activity
A moderate M5.3 earthquake struck 126 km WSW of Alianza Cristiana, Peru at 06:42 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 10 km.
An M4.7 earthquake struck 116 km WSW of Alianza Cristiana, Peru at 10:39 UTC on Sep 10 at a depth of 22 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Ecuador have earthquakes?
The Nazca Plate subducts beneath Ecuador along its Pacific margin, generating megathrust earthquakes offshore and feeding the volcanoes of the Andes. Crustal faults within the mountains add further seismic hazard.
How often do earthquakes strike Ecuador?
Ecuador records frequent small earthquakes and a damaging event every several years, concentrated along the coast and the Andean fault systems. The country's monitoring network tracks both seismic and volcanic activity.
What was the biggest earthquake in Ecuador?
The January 31, 1906 earthquake off the Esmeraldas coast, magnitude 8.8, is the largest recorded in Ecuador and one of the largest anywhere. It generated a Pacific-wide tsunami. The 2016 magnitude 7.8 Muisne earthquake was the deadliest recent event.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.