July 31, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A proton storm commenced on July 30, 2026 at 17:30 UT and reached its maximum intensity at high energy levels around 18:00 UT. It continued at 10MeV warning levels
or higher through the first half of July 31. This is the first measurable
proton storm since July 4, 2026 but that storm did not exceed the SWPC 10 MeV warning threshold.
The last storm to do that occurred on May 27-28, 2026 and was about the same
intensity as today's. Today's proton storm occurred at the same time as
an M2.0 solar flare but may not be related to that flare as it takes time
for solar protons to arrive in the vicinity of the earth. A series of earthquakes
did occur during the solar flare and at the commencement of the proton storm
however. These included the strongest earthquake of the day - an M 5.9 in the State
of Yap, Micronesia at the time the storm maximized. It is likely this
earthquake in Micronesia was triggered by the proton storm.
Other earthquakes near the proton storm commencement occurred as an M 2.3 felt
in Los Angeles, California and events of M 5.2 in the Kermadec Islands swarm
and of M 4.3 in western Xizang, China.
O: 30JUL2026 17:55:59 11.6N 139.9E MB=5.9 EMSC STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 17:48:12 31.5S 177.9W MB=5.2 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported this earthquake in Micronesia may have been felt lightly in Colonia, Micronesia.
The last earthquake near Yap, Micronesia of M>=5.9 occurred in the middle of
a strong proton storm, larger than today's as well on February 14, 2024 with M 6.0.
The strongest earthquake in the area of Yap in the past 25 years occurred
on August 13-14, 2010 with M 6.9 and with a strong series of aftershocks.
These events occurred during a strong proton storm that exceeded the SWPC 10 MeV warning
threshold as well. As strong proton storms are unusual, this may be significant in terms of
seismic triggering in the area.
This earthquake in Yap, Micronesia may also have been promoted by the M1.9
solar flare which peaked near the time of this event. This flare began
when Yap was near local solar midnight and when this latitude in Micronesia
was nearly sub-solar on this date in July. Data on this flare from
SWPC follow.
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
770 1553 1700 1800 M1.9 (July 30, 2026) 5.7E-02 *
Chiapas M 4.3 16:05 UT
Peru M 4.3 16:15 UT
Honshu M 4.3 16:20 UT
Taiwan M 4.5 16:58 UT
Kermadec Is. M 5.2 17:48 UT
Los Angeles M 2.3 17:44 UT
Yap, Micronesia M 5.9 17:55 UT
This epicenter in Yap, Micronesia is at the 16th node (think half of the
eighth node of 45 degrees) at 22.5 degrees from Super-typhoon Dolphin
and Kyushu, Japan and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Hurricane Genevieve; at the
third node (120 degrees) from Chiapas and at 144 degrees from Venezuela
and was likely promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 30JUL2026 17:55:59 11.6N 139.9E MB=5.9 EMSC STATE OF YAP, MICRONESIA
A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.6 also occurred today in central Peru.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Peru at Oxapampa, Pasco and Pucallpa, Ucayali and II in Lima and San Luis.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Peru at Oxapampa, Huarmey, La Molina, Lima, Carmen De La Reynoso, San Isidro, Santiago de Surco, and Mala.
This epicenter was at local solar noon when the M1.9 solar flare peaked at
17:00 UT on July 30 and may have been promoted by SFE associated with that
flare (see above).
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Hurricane Genevieve and at 146
degrees from Kyushu and 103 degrees from New Zealand and may have been
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 31JUL2026 00:58:45 8.3S 74.2W MW=5.6 EMSC CENTRAL PERU
A strong excursion in the strength of the geomagnetic field at GOES 19 satellite magnetometer was
recorded on July 31 starting near 02:35 UT. An earthquake of M 3.6 was recorded in Honshu, Japan at 02:40 UT
within minutes of local solar noon. The two events may be related. An arcjet maneuver was performed on GOES-19 at 02:35 UT
and normal orbit returned with the end of the arcjet at 04:00 UT July 31.
Like the earthquake in the Antarctic (see previous issues) earthquakes today in
Papua, Indonesia are at 102 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve. It is also at
the 10th node from Kyushu (36 degrees) and may have been promoted by energy
from that source. It is located at the longitude of maximum stress
with the full moon of July 29, 2026 and was likely promoted by strong
tidal stresses with that alignment. Activity following strong events
in Kyushu, Japan tends to concentrate in Papua and in New Britain and New
Ireland in the several days after - as well as in the Kermadec Islands
and the Antarctic-Pacific Ridge and these areas are likely to continued
to see elevated seismicity at this time.
O: 30JUL2026 08:16:13 2.2S 139.0E ML=4.3 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 08:19:05 2.3S 139.0E ML=4.4 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 13:21:53 2.4S 138.8E ML=4.0 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 14:37:35 2.7S 138.9E mb=4.4 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 08:21:22 3.5S 140.4E ML=4.0 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 08:23:48 2.1S 138.9E ML=4.1 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
The full moon arrived on July 29, 2026 at 14:36 UT. Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this hour are near 140E while those at local solar noon are near 40W. These include in the east areas of Japan and the Philippines north to Kamchatka and eastern Indonesia and China and in the west, the Central Atlantic Ridges, portions of South America and Iceland. These are the areas most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. They include some areas where strong or unusual earthquakes occur and the likelihood of such an event, especially near 135E is considered highly likely in this time frame.
This is the last full moon before the solar eclipse of
August 12, 2026. Often areas which will see enhanced seismicity at the time
of solar eclipses see a foretaste with the prior full moon. An earthquake of M 4.9 accompanied
the full moon at 14:36 UT (exactly at the peak of the full moon - see above)
in the area of Valparaiso Chile with the following EMSC parameters:
Moderate to strong aftershocks continued today in the region of Kyushu, Japan.
Tolls continued to rise as rescue teams combed the area and sifted through
debris of collapsed structures and a mall. Those dead now exceed 6 but this is
expected to rise.
The events in Kyushu are at 102 degrees from the eye of Hurricane
Genevieve in the North Pacific off Mexico when the mainshock occurred. It is likely it was promoted
by energy from that powerful source. Two other moderate earthquakes
in the South Atlantic Ridge also occurred at 102 degrees from Hurricane
Genevieve in the past two days.
O: 30JUL2026 13:47:39 32.7N 130.7E MB=5.0 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake of July 17, 2026. The strongest event
in the area today was an M 5.0 in Guatemala. This earthquake in Guatemala
was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity IV in Guatemala at
Guatemala City, Puelbo Nuevo Vinas, Villa Nueva, Chimaltenango, San Marcos la Laguna, Solola, Antigua Guatemala, San Juan la Laguna, Jocotenango and Panajachel and in San Salvador, El Salvador.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Guatemala at Yepocapa, Palin, Antigua Guatemala, Villa Nueva, Petapa, San Pedro La Laguna, San Pablo Jocopilas, Mixco, Fraijanes, Solola, Santa Catarina Pinula, Chinautla, San Raimundo, Guatemala City, Cantel, Quetzaltenango, San Marcos and in El Salvador at Acjutla and Santa Tecla.
This epicenter is sub-solar on this day in July.
This activity in Chiapas is at the third node (120 degees) from Kyushu, Japan
and at 106 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 30JUL2026 11:25:44 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 10:27:02 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 18:31:14 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 19:17:34 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 21:18:53 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 14:45:25 14.1N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 15:28:48 14.1N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 22:52:48 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 06:58:53 14.2N 91.0W Mw=5.0 EMSC GUATEMALA
O: 30JUL2026 09:23:27 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 15:10:18 14.2N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 16:05:12 14.2N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 08:35:53 14.3N 92.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 20:33:37 14.3N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 18:20:36 14.4N 92.8W Mw=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 20:49:12 14.4N 93.5W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 09:11:02 14.9N 93.1W ML=3.8 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 23:42:35 14.9N 93.5W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
The strong series of earthquakes continued today in the area of the northern
Kermadec Islands. This included three events of M 5.0 which were unfelt today.
The Kermadec Islands often is activated following strong earthquakes in
Kyushu, Japan and is located at the fifth node (51 degrees) from Super-Typhoon
Dolphin and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 30JUL2026 20:26:36 28.6S 176.6W MB=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 31JUL2026 02:07:56 28.6S 177.0W mb=4.6 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 31JUL2026 04:02:51 28.7S 176.5W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 31JUL2026 06:30:27 28.9S 176.7W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Vancouver, Canada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Vancouver, Canada in British Columbia at Cowichan Valley and Victoria.
O: 31JUL2026 05:45:57 51.0N 125.5W ML=3.9 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Nevada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Las Vegas.
O: 31JUL2026 02:21:20 37.2N 114.8W ML=2.7 EMSC NEVADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Mammoth Lakes, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Mammoth Lakes, California with III in June Lake, Groveland, Arnold, Bishop, II in Mammoth Lakes, Sanger and in Glenbrook, Nevada.
O: 30JUL2026 15:34:57 37.5N 118.8W ML=3.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 30JUL2026 15:34:57 37.5N 118.8W ML=3.4 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
EMSC and NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Iraq was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Iraq with V in Kirkuk at-Ta'mim.
O: 30JUL2026 14:58:27 35.3N 44.5E MB=4.2 EMSC IRAQ
O: 31JUL2026 04:49:37 34.5N 44.3E mb=4.0 EMSC IRAQ
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in northern Iran was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Iran in Semnan, Iran at Emamshahr, Damghan.
It occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted
by tidal stresses with the full moon of July 29 (see above).
A second earthquake a day later of M 4.6 occurred about 100 km southwest of
the initial M 4.8 in Iran. It also occurred within minutes of local solar noon.
This activity is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Kyushu and at the third
node (120 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve and Chiapas, Mexico as well as
at the fourth node from Super-Typhoon Dolphin and may have been promoted
by energy from those sources as well.
O: 30JUL2026 08:07:14 36.7N 54.9E MB=4.8 EMSC NORTHERN IRAN
O: 31JUL2026 09:08:55 36.2N 53.9E MB=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN IRAN
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 2.3 and M 2.4 in Los Angeles, California were felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Los Angeles at Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, La Palma, Long Beach, Signal Hill.
EMSC reported light quick jolts in California at Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Artesia, Ladera Heights, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Bellflower, Paramount, Midway City, Huntington Beach.
O: 30JUL2026 17:44:33 33.8N 118.1W ML=2.3 EMSC GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALI
O: 30JUL2026 09:36:30 33.8N 118.1W ML=2.4 EMSC GREATER LOS ANGELES AREA, CALIF.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M in was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of
NEIC reported an earthquake of M in was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of
EMSC reported earthquakes of M 5.1 and M 4.7 in Kamchatka were felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kamchatka at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and Paratunka.
O: 30JUL2026 21:53:25 53.0N 159.5E MB=5.1 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
O: 30JUL2026 22:24:47 53.0N 159.8E mb=4.7 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
SUPER-TYPHOON DOLPHIN (DEPRESSION 12W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
STYP DOLPHIN 2026-07-31 00:00 UT 16.4N 162.7E 170 kts North-central Pacific
Super-Typhoon Dolphin (TD 12W) continued today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 170 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected in this area at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching super-typhoon intensity with winds up to 180 kts around July 31 to August 1. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. This could encounter Honshu Japan as a major typhoon in early August and is likely to remain in the super-typhoon category for at least a week due to the unusually warm waters of the Pacific during the current super-El Nino event. It could pose a significant threat to Japanese seismicity as it makes landfall. The antipode is at 18S 18W in the South Atlantic Ridge area could see enhanced seismicity at this time as a moderate earthquake occurred near that epicenter two days ago.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-31 00:00 UT 21.4N 126.4W 70 kts West of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve continued today West of Mexico with winds up to 70 kts (Category 3 hurricane). It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time and to dissipate in the North Pacific around August 5. The antipode at 22S 54E is near the South Indian Ridge system - a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity may occur antipodally to Genevieve at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 27, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
750 0544 0606 0628 C3.8 (July 30, 2026) 7.6E-03
Southwest Indian Ridge M 4.7 05:46 UT
Myanmar M 3.7 06:18 UT
Tarapaca M 4.6 06:04 UT
Papua M 4.7 05:55 UT
Guatemala M 5.0 06:58 UT
770 1553 1700 1800 M1.9 (July 30, 2026) 5.7E-02 *
Chiapas M 4.3 16:05 UT
Peru M 4.3 16:15 UT
Honshu M 4.3 16:20 UT
Taiwan M 4.5 16:58 UT
Kermadec Is. M 5.2 17:48 UT
Los Angeles M 2.3 17:44 UT
Yap, Micronesia M 5.9 17:55 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active July 31 through August 1 quiet August 2. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 5, high: 4, mid-latitude: 8, time of max k: 11:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 3 Global Kp 2.00 1000-1400, July 30; Sunspot Number: 130; Radio Flux: 152
A proton storm commenced on July 30, 2026 at 17:30 UT. It continued at 10MeV warning levels
or higher through the first half of July 31. This is the first measurable
proton storm since July 4, 2026 but that storm did not exceed the SWPC 10 MeV warning threshold.
The last storm to do that occurred on May 27-28, 2026 and was about the same
intensity as today's.
A strong excursion in the strength of the geomagnetic field at GOES 19 satellite magnetometer was
recorded on July 31 starting near 02:35 UT. An earthquake of M 3.6 was recorded in Honshu, Japan at 02:40 UT
within minutes of local solar noon. The two events may be related. An arcjet maneuver was performed on GOES-19 at 02:35 UT
and normal orbit returned with the end of the arcjet at 04:00 UT July 31.
The Hp30 (GFZ) index did not exceed 3 in the past 24 hours.
July 30, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A series of moderately large to large earthquakes have occurred since the last
issue of this summary. Much of this activity occurred as a consequence of
tidal stresses with the full moon as has been previously reported in this
summary. But a series of moderately large earthquakes appear to have
helped trigger the next. This pattern began when an M 5.6 occurred near
local solar noon in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge. The last earthquake
with M>=5.6 within about 300 km of this epicenter was an M 5.6 on April 3, 2025.
At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.2 (EMSC) to 6.4 (BGS) in Kyushu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Kanoya, Kagoshima, Japan; V in Miyazaki and II-III in Kumamoto, Oita and Chiba Prefectures.
No tsunami was observed or expected. This is the strongest earthquake in the
Kyushu area of Japan within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.8 on January 13, 2025
and is the largest aftershock to date of that event.
...
An earthquake of M 5.6 occurred today south of New Zealand in the Balleny Islands. It was not reported felt in this remote area.
The last earthquake within about 250 km of today's epicenter in the Balleny Islands
with M>=5.6 occurred as an M 5.8 on December 28, 2023. When an M 5.6 hit the
area on January 3, 2023 this summary noted:
"The only earthquake with M>=5.8 within about 400 km of this epicenter in the past 15 years was an
M 6.0 on February 2, 2018. A series of events in this area of M 5.8 on Marcy 9, 2004 and July 16, 2004 (M 6.1)
also occurred in the past 35 years. Similar events of M 5.8 hit the area on September 23, 1997 and September 9, 1998.
At the time of the M 6.0 on February 2, 2018, this summary noted in this regard:
"A strong M 6.0 earthquake under Scott Island Bank, Antarctica today was
followed by an aftershock of M 5.2 more than an hour later. These events were
not reported felt in this remote area. They occurred within about 30 minutes
of local solar midnight and were probably related to high tidal stresses associated
with the full moon of January 31. The timing in mid-summer on or near the Scott
Ice Cap also suggests they may have been related to a glacial sea-ice calving
event in the area, but this is not confirmed. At the least, they may open
cracks in the ice which can destabilize it. Earthquakes in this area of Antarctica
are rare. The last with M>=6 within about 500 km of this epicenter occurred
on December 24, 2010 (M 6.0)." (February 2, 2018, April 3, 2025)
Note the coincidence between the quake in Kyushu and that in the Pacific-Antarctic
Ridge of April 2, 2025 - precisely the same combination as those events today.
This may be due to the strong distance energy concentration between these
two areas which lie at 104 degrees apart, a distance at which strong
far-field seismic triggering is often seen following major earthquakes and
other surface phenomena. This epicenter in Antarctica is also at 102 degrees
from Chiapas and may have been promoted by constructive interference
of energy from those two sources.
O: 29JUL2026 22:08:08 65.3S 179.5W MB=5.6 EMSC PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
The M 5.6 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge was followed 20 minutes later by an M 5.9
in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand region at a distance of 37 degrees.
Surface waves from Antarctica would have been in the area of the Kermadec
Islands at that time and may have helped promote that subsequent event.
The event in the Kermadec Islands occurred near local solar noon and was
followed by aftershocks of M 5.2 and M 5.8 among others. The M 5.2
aftershock occurred 15 minutes after the mainshock and may have been
triggered by the returning ScS wave after reflection off the core.
These events in the Kermadec Islands are at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from Hurricane Genevieve and at the fourth node from Chiapas (90 degrees)
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 22:27:58 28.6S 176.6W MB=5.9 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 29JUL2026 22:42:31 28.8S 176.6W MB=5.2 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
O: 30JUL2026 05:08:32 28.7S 176.5W MB=5.8 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
The M 5.8 aftershock may have been triggered by surface waves from an
M 5.4 in Papua, Indonesia which occurred 26 minutes earlier than the
event in Kermadec, the time for the surface waves to traverse this distance
of 50 degrees.
Like the earthquake in the Antarctic (see above) this earthquake in
Papua, Indonesia is at 102 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve. It is also at
the 10th node from Kyushu (36 degrees) and may have been promoted by energy
from that source. It is located at the longitude of maximum stress
with the full moon of July 29, 2026 and was likely promoted by strong
tidal stresses with that alignment.
O: 30JUL2026 08:23:48 2.1S 138.9E ML=4.1 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 08:16:13 2.2S 139.0E ML=4.3 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 08:19:05 2.3S 139.0E ML=4.4 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 04:42:13 2.6S 138.8E mb=5.4 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 30JUL2026 05:55:54 2.6S 139.0E mb=4.7 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
The full moon arrived on July 29, 2026 at 14:36 UT. Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this hour are near 140E while those at local solar noon are near 40W. These include in the east areas of Japan and the Philippines north to Kamchatka and eastern Indonesia and China and in the west, the Central Atlantic Ridges, portions of South America and Iceland. These are the areas most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. They include some areas where strong or unusual earthquakes occur and the likelihood of such an event, especially near 135E is considered highly likely in this time frame.
This is the last full moon before the solar eclipse of
August 12, 2026. Often areas which will see enhanced seismicity at the time
of solar eclipses see a foretaste with the prior full moon. An earthquake of M 4.9 accompanied
the full moon at 14:36 UT (exactly at the peak of the full moon - see above)
in the area of Valparaiso Chile with the following EMSC parameters:
O: 29JUL2026 14:36:52 33.3S 72.1W ML=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
O: 29JUL2026 14:37:59 33.3S 72.0W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
This epicenter was near local solar noon at the time of this earthquake
and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with this full moon.
The mainshock was followed a minute later by and M 4.2 aftershock.
EMSC reported it was felt in Chile with moderate shaking at Villa Alemana.
NEIC reported intensity III in Valparaiso.
A moderate foreshock hit this area as reported in the previous issue of this
summary:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Santiago, and in O'Higgins at Rengo and Machali." (July 28, 2026)
This epicenter is located at 120.0 degrees (node 3) from the current location
of Super-Typhoon Dolphin and at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from
Chiapas and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 14:36:52 33.3S 72.1W ML=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
O: 29JUL2026 14:37:59 33.3S 72.0W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
An earthquake of M 5.1 in Luzon, Philippines also occurred within minutes of
the completion of the full moon today. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate
shaking in Luzon at Antipolo, Calumpang, Cainta, Pasig City, Pateros, Manila and
Makati City. NEIC reported intensity III in the Philippines in Daet, Bicol, Malanday, Manila, Cainta, Niogan, Pililla, Southern Tagalog. This event occurred near local solar midnight at a latitude which
is near sub-solar (15 North latitude) on this date and was probably promoted
by tidal stresses with the full moon.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in the Philippines
with M>=5.1 was an M 5.3 on September 3, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Luzon, Philippines was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Luzon, Philippines in Bicol at Daet and Basud and in Tagalog at Lucena, Palestina, Cainta, Taytay, Malanday, and in Manila and Mariveles, Luzon.
EMSC reported strong shaking in the central Philippines in Hondagua Lopez, Cainta, Quezon City, Taguig City, Antipolo, Bacoor and Paranaque City among others.
PHIVOLCS reported intensity V in Quezon at Jomalig and Polillo, IV in Quezon at Burdeos, Panukulan and Patnanungan and Camarines Norte at Parascale, Santa Elena and Vinzons and III in other areas of Quezon, Camarines Norte; City of Taguig and Pateros Quezon City. Lesser shaking was reported in Camarines Sur, City of Angels and the City of Caloocan and Pasig.
An aftershock of M 5.0 was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in the Philippines at Manila and in Taytay, Rizal, Tagalog.
It is likely that this activity was promoted by landfall in the region today of
Tropical Storm Yagi as proposed in previous issues of this summary" (September 3, 2024)
This epicenter is located at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Super-Typhoon Dolphin and at
the fifth node (72 degrees) from New Zealand and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 14:11:04 15.3N 122.8E MB=5.1 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
About an hour after the Luzon quake (see above) a second quake in Luzon
occurred about 300 km southeast of that epicenter in the Catanduanes region of the
Philippines. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Bicol Philippines at Bato and II in Gandara. Earthquakes of M 5.3 in Kyushu, Japan and M 5.0 and M 5.1 in Mindanao
preceded the completion of the full moon about an hour earlier and may have
been promoted by tidal stresses. All of these events occurred within about
an hour of local solar midnight. A similarly timed M 5.4 in Kyushu was the second strongest
aftershock in the area at this writing. NEIC reported this earthquake
was felt with intensity II in Japan at Isahaya, Nagasaki, Ibaraki, Osaka and Kogoshima.
O: 29JUL2026 15:10:02 13.1N 124.6E MB=5.4 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
The earthquakes in Mindanao were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity
IV in Southern Mindanao at Buayan, San Jose, Conel, Katangawan, Padada, Klinan, Digos and II in Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
O: 29JUL2026 13:23:55 5.3N 125.1E MB=5.1 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
O: 29JUL2026 13:16:59 5.5N 125.4E MB=5.0 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
O: 29JUL2026 13:19:37 32.4N 130.4E MB=5.3 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
Another earthquake seemingly promoted by the full moon today occurred as an M4.9
in the northern mid-Atlantic ridge at a longitude (45 degrees) near the maximum
stress longitude for this full moon. It was not felt in this remote area
of the Atlantic Ridge. This event occurred after local solar noon and was
at a sub-solar latitude for this date. This epicenter is located at 45 degrees from
Chiapas, Mexico (node 8); at 135 degrees from Super-Typhoon Dolphin (node 8)
and at 22.5 degrees (node 16) from Venezuela and was probably promoted by
constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 18:09:46 15.2N 45.9W MB=4.9 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Moderate to strong aftershocks continued today in the region of Kyushu, Japan.
Tolls continued to rise as rescue teams combed the area and sifted through
debris of collapsed structures and a mall. Those dead now exceed 6 but this is
expected to rise.
The events in Kyushu are at 102 degrees from the eye of Hurricane
Genevieve in the North Pacific off Mexico when the mainshock occurred. It is likely it was promoted
by energy from that powerful source. Two other moderate earthquakes
in the South Atlantic Ridge also occurred at 102 degrees from Hurricane
Genevieve in the past two days.
O: 30JUL2026 00:56:30 32.3N 130.4E ML=4.2 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 13:19:37 32.4N 130.4E mb=5.3 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 14:02:34 32.5N 130.6E mb=4.6 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 20:16:35 32.5N 130.6E mb=4.8 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 11:47:53 32.7N 130.5E mb=4.5 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
A major eruption (episode 50 of the current activity) of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano occurred today as Hurricane Fausto
passed north of Hawaii. In addition an earthquake north of Hawaii of M 3.6
occurred as that storm passed over that epicenter. This seismic activity
in Hawaii had been expected in this summary as:
This epicenter in Hawaii is located at the 10th node (36 degrees) from Hurricane Genevieve; the 11th node
from Super-Typhoon Dolphin; the sixth node (60 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico
and the fifth node (72 degrees) from New Zealand and may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 00:16:22 20.3N 156.3W ML=3.6 EMSC MAUI REGION, HAWAII
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake of July 17, 2026. The strongest event
in the area today was an M 5.0 in Guatemala which occurred near local solar
midnight during the strongest solar flare of the past two days and may
have been promoted by SFE from that flare. SWPC gives preliminary data
for this flare as:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0544 0606 0628 C3.8 (July 30, 2026) 7.6E-03
Southwest Indian Ridge M 4.7 05:46 UT
Myanmar M 3.7 06:18 UT
Tarapaca M 4.6 06:04 UT
Papua M 4.7 05:55 UT
Guatemala M 5.0 06:58 UT
EMSC reported this earthquake was strongly felt in Guatemala at Yepocapa, Palin, Antigua Guatemala, Villa Neuva, Petapa, San Pablo Jocopilas, Solola, Mixco, Fraijanes, Santa Catarina Pinula, Chinautla, San Raimundo, Guatemala City, Cantel, Quetzaltenango, San Marcos and in El Salvador at Acajutla and Santa Tecla.
This event in Guatemala is directly at sub-solar latitude of 14 North Latitude
today, so it is not surprising to see a strong regional shock at this time.
O: 30JUL2026 06:58:56 14.2N 91.0W ML=5.0 EMSC GUATEMALA
This activity in Chiapas is at the third node (120 degees) from Kyushu, Japan
and at 106 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 29JUL2026 10:26:06 14.3N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 17:11:25 13.7N 92.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 29JUL2026 09:39:10 13.8N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 09:56:14 13.9N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 21:27:14 13.9N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 23:37:47 13.9N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 07:59:01 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 09:03:04 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 11:01:28 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 02:41:20 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 22:02:51 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 07:29:02 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 10:26:06 14.3N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 30JUL2026 01:51:40 14.3N 93.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 17:54:50 14.4N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
The strong series of earthquakes also continued today in the area south of Tonga with events of M 5.0 and M 5.1.
These events were not reported felt in this remote area.
These epicenters are at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and
at 109 degrees from Venezuela may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 17:07:38 24.9S 175.1W MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 29JUL2026 20:52:09 24.8S 175.2W MB=5.1 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-30 00:00 UT 22.8N 156.0W 40 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today north of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 40 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days and to dissipate by July 31, 2026. Some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall north of Hawaii. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 23S 25E in South Africa and Mozambique where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time.
SUPER-TYPHOON DOLPHIN (DEPRESSION 12W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
STYP DOLPHIN 2026-07-30 00:00 UT 16.4N 165.7E 170 kts North-central Pacific
Super-Typhoon Dolphin (TD 12W) continued today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 170 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected in this area at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching super-typhoon intensity with winds up to 180 kts around July 31 to August 1. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. This could encounter Honshu Japan as a major typhoon in early August and is likely to remain in the super-typhoon category for at least a week due to the unusually warm waters of the Pacific during the current super-El Nino event. It could pose a significant threat to Japanese seismicity as it makes landfall. The antipode is at 16S 14W in the South Atlantic Ridge area could see enhanced seismicity at this time as a moderate earthquake occurred near that epicenter two days ago.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-30 00:00 UT 19.4N 120.4W 105 kts West of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve continued today West of Mexico with winds up to 105 kts (Category 3 hurricane). It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode at 19S 60E is near the South Indian Ridge system - a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity may occur antipodally to Genevieve at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 27, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0544 0606 0628 C3.8 (July 30, 2026) 7.6E-03
Southwest Indian Ridge M 4.7 05:46 UT
Myanmar M 3.7 06:18 UT
Tarapaca M 4.6 06:04 UT
Papua M 4.7 05:55 UT
Guatemala M 5.0 06:58 UT
630 0019 0022 0025 C1.6 (July 29, 2026) 6.8E-04
Maui, Hawaii M 3.6 00:17 UT
640 0431 0438 0444 C1.2 (July 29, 2026) 9.8E-04
720 1610 1619 1625 C1.6 (July 29, 2026) 1.3E-03
Minahasa M 4.4 16:12 UT
730 1719 1724 1729 C1.3 (July 29, 2026) 8.2E-04
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active July 30 through August 1. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 5, high: 4, mid-latitude: 6, time of max k: 11:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 2 Global Kp 2.00 0000-0400, July 29; Sunspot Number: 123; Radio Flux: 143
The Hp30 (GFZ) index did not exceed 2 in the past 24 hours.
July 29, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The full moon arrived on July 29, 2026 at 14:36 UT. Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this hour are near 140E while those at local solar noon are near 40W. These include in the east areas of Japan and the Philippines north to Kamchatka and eastern Indonesia and China and in the west, the Central Atlantic Ridges, portions of South America and Iceland. These are the areas most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. They include some areas where strong or unusual earthquakes occur and the likelihood of such an event, especially near 135E is considered highly likely in this time frame.
This is the last full moon before the solar eclipse of
August 12, 2026. Often areas which will see enhanced seismicity at the time
of solar eclipses see a foretaste with the prior full moon. An earthquake of M 4.9 accompanied
the full moon at 14:36 UT (exactly at the peak of the full moon - see above)
in the area of Valparaiso Chile with the following EMSC parameters:
O: 29JUL2026 14:36:53 33.3S 72.0W MB=4.9 EMSC VALPARAISO, CHILE
This epicenter was near local solar noon at the time of this earthquake
and was probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with this full moon.
The mainshock was followed a minute later by and M 4.2 aftershock.
EMSC reported it was felt in Chile with moderate shaking at Villa Alemana.
NEIC reported intensity III in Valparaiso.
A moderate foreshock hit this area as reported in the previous issue of this
summary:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Santiago, and in O'Higgins at Rengo and Machali." (July 28, 2026)
This epicenter is located at 120.0 degrees (node 3) from the current location
of Super-Typhoon Dolphin and at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from
Chiapas and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 14:36:53 33.3S 72.0W MB=4.9 EMSC VALPARAISO, CHILE
O: 27JUL2026 17:19:36 33.0S 71.4W mb=4.1 EMSC VALPARAISO, CHILE
An earthquake of M 5.1 in Luzon, Philippines also occurred within minutes of
the completion of the full moon today. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate
shaking in Luzon at Antipolo, Calumpang, Cainta, Pasig City, Pateros, Manila and
Makati City. NEIC reported intensity III in the Philippines in Daet, Bicol, Malanday, Manila, Cainta, Niogan, Pililla, Southern Tagalog. This event occurred near local solar midnight at a latitude which
is near sub-solar (15 North latitude) on this date and was probably promoted
by tidal stresses with the full moon.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in the Philippines
with M>=5.1 was an M 5.3 on September 3, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.3 in Luzon, Philippines was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Luzon, Philippines in Bicol at Daet and Basud and in Tagalog at Lucena, Palestina, Cainta, Taytay, Malanday, and in Manila and Mariveles, Luzon.
EMSC reported strong shaking in the central Philippines in Hondagua Lopez, Cainta, Quezon City, Taguig City, Antipolo, Bacoor and Paranaque City among others.
PHIVOLCS reported intensity V in Quezon at Jomalig and Polillo, IV in Quezon at Burdeos, Panukulan and Patnanungan and Camarines Norte at Parascale, Santa Elena and Vinzons and III in other areas of Quezon, Camarines Norte; City of Taguig and Pateros Quezon City. Lesser shaking was reported in Camarines Sur, City of Angels and the City of Caloocan and Pasig.
An aftershock of M 5.0 was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in the Philippines at Manila and in Taytay, Rizal, Tagalog.
It is likely that this activity was promoted by landfall in the region today of
Tropical Storm Yagi as proposed in previous issues of this summary" (September 3, 2024)
This epicenter is located at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Super-Typhoon Dolphin and at
the fifth node (72 degrees) from New Zealand and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 14:11:04 15.3N 122.8E MB=5.1 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
About an hour after the Luzon quake (see above) a second quake in Luzon
occurred about 300 km southeast of that epicenter in the Catanduanes region of the
Philippines. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Bicol Philippines at Bato and II in Gandara. Earthquakes of M 5.3 in Kyushu, Japan and M 5.0 and M 5.1 in Mindanao
preceded the completion of the full moon about an hour earlier and may have
been promoted by tidal stresses. All of these events occurred within about
an hour of local solar midnight. A similarly timed M 5.4 in Kyushu was the second strongest
aftershock in the area at this writing. NEIC reported this earthquake
was felt with intensity II in Japan at Isahaya, Nagasaki, Ibaraki, Osaka and Kogoshima.
O: 29JUL2026 15:10:02 13.1N 124.6E MB=5.4 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
The earthquakes in Mindanao were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity
IV in Southern Mindanao at Buayan, San Jose, Conel, Katangawan, Padada, Klinan, Digos and II in Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
O: 29JUL2026 13:23:55 5.3N 125.1E MB=5.1 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
O: 29JUL2026 13:16:59 5.5N 125.4E MB=5.0 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
O: 29JUL2026 13:19:37 32.4N 130.4E MB=5.3 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
Another earthquake seemingly promoted by the full moon today occurred as an M4.9
in the northern mid-Atlantic ridge at a longitude (45 degrees) near the maximum
stress longitude for this full moon. It was not felt in this remote area
of the Atlantic Ridge. This event occurred after local solar noon and was
at a sub-solar latitude for this date. This epicenter is located at 45 degrees from
Chiapas, Mexico (node 8); at 135 degrees from Super-Typhoon Dolphin (node 8)
and at 22.5 degrees (node 16) from Venezuela and was probably promoted by
constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 18:09:46 15.2N 45.9W MB=4.9 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.8 in Kyushu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VIII in the epicenter with reported intensities in Kumamoto, Japan of VIII in Jonan (with damage and VII in Yatsushiro, Mashiki, Kikuyo and in Shimbvara, Nagasaki. Intensity V was felt in Saga and Miyazaki and IV in Oita, Fukuoka and South Korea with II-III intensity shaking as far as 600 km in Tokyo and South Korea.
News outlets reported at least a dozen fires accompanied the earthquake and
that several buildings and bridges collapsed or partially collapsed due to the shaking.
Power was out to thousands of homes in Kumamoto Prefecture. Toyota Chip manufacturing
plants in Miyata, Kand and Kokura were closed until further notice. The quake also
reportedly ruptured roads. A shopping mall partially collapsed and there
were likely deaths associated with that. Many residents were evacuated to centers
as strong aftershocks continued. At least six people lost their lives according
to official estimates at this time during the earthquake. A tsunami warning was issued but later withdrawn when no tsunami waves were observed.
The last earthquake in Kyushu, Japan within about 200 km of today's epicenter
with M>=6.8 occurred on January 13, 2025 with M 6.8 and prior to that as an M 7.1 on
August 8, 2024. At the time of the January, 2025 event this summary noted:
"A strong to major earthquake of M 6.9 hit the area of Kyushu, Japan today. The
quake shook buildings and may have generated a tsunami, but no reports of
major damage or high tsunami waves have been officially made. The largest
tsunami wave was measured at 7.8 inches in Miyazaki City. The quake
was felt in Miyazaki and at least one mine injury was reported by a person who
fell down a flight of stars during the quake. The tsunami warning has now been
lifted but some evacuations may still occur. NEIC reported this earthquake was
felt with intensity IV (Some damage) at Miyazaki, VII in Saiki, Oita; VI in Junitomi, Miyazaki; V in Kanoya, Kagoshima dns Koshi, Kumamoto and with IV in Oita, Osaka, Ehime Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Shizuoka, South Korea." (January 13, 2025)
Today's event occurred near local solar noon near the time of the full moon.
The earthquake on January 13, 2025 also occurred with the full moon of
January 13, 2025. Both appear to have been promoted by tidal stresses
with their respective full moon tides.
Today's epicenter in Kyushu was at 102 degrees from the eye of Hurricane
Genevieve in the North Pacific off Mexico when the mainshock occurred. It is likely it was promoted
by energy from that powerful source. Two other moderate earthquakes
in the South Atlantic Ridge also occurred at 102 degrees from Hurricane
Genevieve in the past two days.
Following is a listing of aftershocks of M>=4 since the mainshock in Kyushu, Japan.
O: 28JUL2026 11:47:30 32.3N 130.4E ML=3.5 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:08:36 32.4N 130.6E Mw=5.6 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:18:54 32.4N 130.5E mb=4.9 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 10:09:38 32.4N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 13:19:37 32.4N 130.4E mb=5.3 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:45:30 32.5N 130.6E ML=4.0 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 09:10:30 32.5N 130.6E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 12:10:30 32.5N 130.6E ML=4.2 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 14:01:57 32.5N 130.6E mb=4.8 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 14:02:34 32.5N 130.5E mb=4.6 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:57:30 32.6N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 10:03:13 32.6N 130.8E ML=4.2 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 12:26:18 32.6N 130.8E mb=4.7 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 19:38:30 32.6N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 20:49:30 32.6N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:27:16 32.7N 130.8E Mw=6.8 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:39:30 32.7N 130.8E ML=4.2 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:59:30 32.7N 130.7E ML=4.4 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:54:30 32.7N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 15:15:30 32.7N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 11:47:53 32.7N 130.5E mb=4.5 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 13:19:37 32.4N 130.4E MB=5.3 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 29JUL2026 13:19:37 32.4N 130.4E MB=5.4 NEIC KYUSHU, JAPAN
A major eruption (episode 50 of the current activity) of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano occurred today as Hurricane Fausto
passed north of Hawaii. In addition an earthquake north of Hawaii of M 3.6
occurred as that storm passed over that epicenter. This seismic activity
in Hawaii had been expected in this summary as:
This epicenter in Hawaii is located at the 10th node (36 degrees) from Hurricane Genevieve; the 11th node
from Super-Typhoon Dolphin; the sixth node (60 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico
and the fifth node (72 degrees) from New Zealand and may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 00:16:22 20.3N 156.3W ML=3.6 EMSC MAUI REGION, HAWAII
The strongest earthquake the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.0 in the Denali National Park area of Central Alaska.NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Denali National Park; III in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Talkeetna, Fort Richardson, Cantwell, Skwentna, Healy, Fairbanks and II in Palmer.
The last earthquake of equal or greater magnitude than M 5.0 within about
200 km of today's epicenter occurred as an M 5.0 on December 1, 2023.
At the time this summary noted:
"Two events of M 5.0 occurred in Alaska - an M 5.0 in the Andreanof Islands and
an M 5.0 in Central Alaska. NEIC reported this event was felt with intensity up to V in Petersville, Alaska.
EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in Central Alaska at Wasilla,
Palmer, Knik-Fairview, Eagle River, Anchorage, This event occurred within minutes
of the height of the arrival of the CME around 06:00 UT (see above) and was
probably triggered by that ionospheric disturbance.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=5 in Central
Alaska occurred as an M 5.0 on October 4, 2019. Larger earthquakes hit about 200 km from today's epicenter
on February 6, 2022 and May 31, 2021. At the time of the M 5.0 on October 4, 2019 ..." (December 1, 2023)
The strongest aftershock in Chiapas, Mexico today was an M 4.7 near local solar noon
and at the sub-solar latitude for this day of the year. A number of other
events (20) in the aftershock sequence were also recorded today but were
not reported felt.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (51 degrees) from the eye of Hurricane
Genevieve at the time of its occurrence and was probably promoted by energy
from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 20:49:25 63.6N 150.7W ML=5.0 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 28JUL2026 20:52:22 63.6N 150.6W ML=3.5 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake of July 17, 2026.
NEIC reported this activity was widely felt in Guatemala with IV in Quetzaltenango at Salcaja and III in Olintepeque, Quetzaltenango, in San Andres Semetabaj, Solola, Guatemala City, Petapa, Santa Catrina Pinula, and as far as 200 km from the epicenter in Antigua Guatemala. No felt reports were attributed from Mexico. This earthquakes occurred near local solar midnight. The epicenter
of the Chiapas series was directly at sub-solar latitude of 14 North Latitude
today, so it is not surprising to see a strong aftershock at this time. This
is the strongest aftershock in the Chiapas region since an M 6.0 minutes
after the M 7.3 on July 17, 2026.
This activity in Chiapas is at the third node (120 degees) from Kyushu, Japan
and at 106 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 28JUL2026 19:22:08 13.4N 92.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
O: 28JUL2026 20:31:29 13.7N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 09:39:10 13.8N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 09:15:56 13.9N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 10:16:36 13.9N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 23:54:36 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 03:19:13 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 09:56:14 13.9N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:06:48 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:39:36 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:48:52 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 10:54:30 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 20:19:09 14.0N 92.8W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 07:59:01 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 09:03:04 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 11:01:28 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:28:28 14.1N 92.9W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 09:48:06 14.1N 92.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 05:50:53 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 05:58:48 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 19:12:26 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 07:29:02 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:25:15 14.3N 92.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 00:40:13 14.3N 92.9W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 29JUL2026 10:26:06 14.3N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 16:14:18 14.5N 92.6W mb=4.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
The strong series of earthquakes also continued today in the area south of Tonga.
These events with several of M>=5 occurred near local solar noon but
were not reported felt in this remote area.
These epicenters are at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and
at 109 degrees from Venezuela may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 03:52:21 24.8S 175.0W MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Northern California north of San Francisco was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California north of San Francisco with IV in Geyserville, Cloberdale, Yorkville and III in Healdsburg, Boonville, San Francisco, Hopland, Guerneville, Forestville, Middletown, The Sea Ranch, Sausalito, Napa, Kelseyville, and as far as 100+ km from the epicenter.
This is the strongest earthquake in the California geysers area within
about 50 km of today's epicenter since an M 4.4 on May 7, 2026. At the time
this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.4 in the
Geysers area north of San Francisco, California. NEIC reported it was widely
felt in northern California with IV in Middletown, Kelseyville, San Anselmo, Lower Lake; III in Calistoga, Saint Helena, Healdsburg, Hidden Valley Lake, Napa and San Francisco.
This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The last earthquake in the
Geysers area of northern California with M>=4.4 occurred as an M 4.7 on January
2, 2025." (May 7, 2026)
This epicenter is located at the 10th node from Chiapas (36 degrees) and at 104
degrees from New Zealand and was probably promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 02:40:06 38.8N 122.9W MW=4.2 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JUL2026 02:40:06 38.8N 122.9W MW=4.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29JUL2026 03:48:38 38.8N 122.9W MD=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28JUL2026 14:44:35 39.0N 123.1W MD=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in northern Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Mindanao, Philippines with IV at Dapa, Caraga, Philippines.
This epicenter is located at the eighth node (135 degrees) from Chiapas and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 29JUL2026 00:39:37 10.2N 126.1E MB=4.8 EMSC PHILIPPINE ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in New Ireland was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of New Ireland in Panguna, North Solomons, PNG.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the eye of Hurricane
Genevieve at the time of its occurrence and was probably promoted by energy
from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 20:27:57 5.7S 153.5E MW=5.4 EMSC NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.
O: 28JUL2026 23:51:44 4.4S 153.0E mb=4.8 EMSC NEW BRITAIN REGION, P.N.G.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the Cayman Islands was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Cayman Islands with III in West Bay, Georgetown and Bodden Town Grand Cayman Islands.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from Super-Typhoon Dolphin and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 13:42:17 18.9N 81.1W MB=4.5 EMSC CAYMAN ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in northern Peru may have been felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Peru at Puerto Santa.
This epicenter is at 45 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 13:24:34 9.7S 79.8W MW=5.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
O: 28JUL2026 13:24:33 9.7S 79.8W MW=5.3 NEIC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN PERU
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Xinjiang, China was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Xinjiang, China in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan; Almaty, Chemolgan, Otegen Batyra and Pervomayka, Kazakhstan,
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from Venezuela and Hurricane Genevieve and near
the third node from Chiapas and may have been promoted by constructive interference
of energy from those sources.
O: 29JUL2026 06:09:58 41.4N 78.8E MB=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN XINJIANG, CHINA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Agios Ioannis, Kardamitsia, Penteli, Ionnina, Velissarios, Rodotopi, Anatoli, Zitsa, Asparangeloi, Igoumenitsa Mesopotamo, Kalovatos, Corfu, Orikum, and in Albania at Vlore, Shengjergj, amd Pazardzhik, Bulgaria.
O: 28JUL2026 20:10:33 39.7N 20.8E MW=4.7 EMSC GREECE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in The Aegean Sea was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of The Aegean Sea in Greece at Glossa, Skiathos, Skopelos,Patotoropm. Ostoaoa. Volos, Nea Fokaia, Marousi, Pefki, Vrilissia, Keratsini, Moskhaton, Arta, Drosochori, Vounplagia.
This epicenter is at 101 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 19:17:57 39.3N 23.6E ML=4.1 EMSC AEGEAN SEA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 South of Java, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of South of Java, Indonesia in Malang and Banjar Karangsuling.
This epicenter is near the antipode of Venezuela and may have been promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 13:29:47 9.0S 112.8E ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in the Aegean Sea, Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the Aegean Sea, Greece at Ouranoupolis, Nea Roda, Sarti, Ierissos, Sykia, Nikiti, Limenaria, Papagou and in Haskove, Bulgaria and Skopje, Nort Macedonia.
This epicenter is at 101 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 28JUL2026 08:30:48 40.3N 24.1E ML=4.0 EMSC AEGEAN SEA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-29 00:00 UT 22.8N 154.7W 45 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today north of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days and to dissipate by July 30, 2026. Some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 22S 27E in South Africa and Mozambique where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time.
SUPER-TYPHOON DOLPHIN (DEPRESSION 12W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
STYP DOLPHIN 2026-07-29 00:00 UT 15.2N 167.7E 160 kts North-central Pacific
Super-Typhoon Dolphin (TD 12W) continued today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 160 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected in this area at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching super-typhoon intensity with winds up to 180 kts around July 29-31. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. This could encounter Honshu Japan as a major typhoon in early August and is likely to remain in the super-typhoon category for at least a week due to the unusually warm waters of the Pacific during the current super-El Nino event. It could pose a significant threat to Japanese seismicity as it makes landfall. The antipode is at 15S 13W in the South Atlantic Ridge area could see enhanced seismicity at this time as a moderate earthquake occurred near that epicenter two days ago.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-29 00:00 UT 18.3N 118.0W 135 kts West of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve continued today West of Mexico with winds up to 135 kts (Category 4 hurricane). It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode at 18S 62E is near the South Indian Ridge system - a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity may occur antipodally to Genevieve at this time.
Hurricane Genevieve is a very powerful oceanic storm and could also trigger
seismicity near nodal distance, especially near 103 degrees from the eye.
Some areas at this distance today include Kyushu, Japan and areas of the South
Atlantic among others.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 27, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
480 0308 0319 0345 C5.1 (July 28, 2026) 2.4E-03 *
Scotland M 2.5 03:09 UT
Qinghai, China M 5.8 03:16 UT, M 5.8 03:34 UT
470 0208 0215 0220 C1.8 (July 28, 2026) 1.3E-03
South of Java M 3.9 02:20 UT
540 1113 1120 1123 C1.4 (July 28, 2026) 8.4E-04
560 1740 1747 1752 C1.5 (July 28, 2026) 1.1E-03
610 2336 2345 2355 C1.7 (July 28, 2026) 1.9E-03
New Britain M 4.8 23:51 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled July 29 active July 30-31. Solar M-flare chance: 30% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 8, high: 5, mid-latitude: 10, time of max k: 11:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 3 Global Kp 3.00 2200-2400, July 28; Sunspot Number: 102; Radio Flux: 143
The Hp30 (GFZ) index reached 3.66 around 12:00 UT today, a light geomagnetic
storm.
July 28, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A series of moderately strong to strong earthquakes occurred today in a number of
different epicentral areas including Kyushu M 6.8; Iceland (M 5.4; Qinghai, China M 5.8, 5.8; the Komandorsky Islands (M 5.8) (discussed below) as the
full moon approached. Most of these occurred near 103 degrees or at antipodal
positions to recent major surface energy sources including strong ocean storms
and major earthquakes. This is the last full moon before the solar eclipse of
August 12, 2026. Often areas which will see enhanced seismicity at the time
of solar eclipses see a foretaste with the prior full moon. Forecast seismicity with this full moon as noted
in this summary is expected as:
"The full moon will arrive on July 29, 2026 at 14:36 UT. Longitudes which are at local solar midnight at this hour are near 140E while those at local solar noon are near 40W. These include in the east areas of Japan and the Philippines north to Kamchatka and eastern Indonesia and China and in the west, the Central Atlantic Ridges and Iceland. These are the areas most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. They include some areas where strong or unusual earthquakes occur and the likelihood of such an event, especially near 135E is considered highly likely in this time frame." (July 27-28, 2026)
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.8 in Kyushu, Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VIII in the epicenter with reported intensities in Kumamoto, Japan of VIII in Jonan (with damage and VII in Yatsushiro, Mashiki, Kikuyo and in Shimbvara, Nagasaki. Intensity V was felt in Saga and Miyazaki and IV in Oita, Fukuoka and South Korea with II-III intensity shaking as far as 600 km in Tokyo and South Korea.
New outlets reported at least a dozen fires accompanied the earthquake and
that several buildings collapsed or partially collapsed due to the shaking.
There were no immediate report of casualties.
A tsunami warning was issued but later withdrawn when no tsunami waves were observed.
The last earthquake in Kyushu, Japan within about 200 km of today's epicenter
with M>=6.8 occurred on January 13, 2025 with M 6.8 and prior to that as an M 7.1 on
August 8, 2024. At the time of the January, 2025 event this summary noted:
"A strong to major earthquake of M 6.9 hit the area of Kyushu, Japan today. The
quake shook buildings and may have generated a tsunami, but no reports of
major damage or high tsunami waves have been officially made. The largest
tsunami wave was measured at 7.8 inches in Miyazaki City. The quake
was felt in Miyazaki and at least one mine injury was reported by a person who
fell down a flight of stars during the quake. The tsunami warning has now been
lifted but some evacuations may still occur. NEIC reported this earthquake was
felt with intensity IV (Some damage) at Miyazaki, VII in Saiki, Oita; VI in Junitomi, Miyazaki; V in Kanoya, Kagoshima dns Koshi, Kumamoto and with IV in Oita, Osaka, Ehime Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kagoshima, Shizuoka, South Korea." (January 13, 2025)
Today's event occurred near local solar noon near the time of the full moon.
The earthquake on January 13, 2025 also occurred with the full moon of
January 13, 2025. Both appear to have been promoted by tidal stresses
with their respective full moon tides.
Today's epicenter in Kyushu is at 102 degrees from the eye of Hurricane
Genevieve in the North Pacific off Mexico. It is likely it was promoted
by energy from that powerful source. Two other moderate earthquakes (see below)
in the South Atlantic Ridge also occurred at 102 degrees from Hurricane
Genevieve today (see below).
O: 28JUL2026 08:08:35 32.4N 130.6E Mw=5.6 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:18:54 32.4N 130.5E mb=4.9 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:45:30 32.5N 130.6E ML=4.0 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:57:30 32.6N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:27:16 32.7N 130.8E Mw=6.8 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:39:30 32.7N 130.8E ML=4.2 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 07:59:30 32.7N 130.7E ML=4.4 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
O: 28JUL2026 08:54:30 32.7N 130.7E ML=4.1 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
A pair of moderately large earthquakes of M 5.8 and M 5.8 also occurred in Central China in Southern Qinghai today. NEIC reported these may have been felt with intensity up to VIII in the Oula, Xiuma area of China.
Damage is expected but reports from this area are often delayed. The last
earthquake of M>=5.8 within about 200 km of these epicenters occurred as an
M
This activity may have been promoted by the strongest solar flare of the day.
The first M 5.8 occurred near the peak output of this C5.1 flare. Preliminary data for this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0308 0319 0345 C5.1 (July 28, 2026) 2.4E-03 *
Scotland M 2.5 03:09 UT
Qinghai, China M 5.8 03:16 UT, M 5.8 03:34 UT
The only earthquake within about 150 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.8 in the
past 35 years was an M 6.1 on September 12, 2000. A major earthquake of M 7.3
occurred about 200 km to the south west of today's epicenter on May 21, 2021.
At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.3-7.4 in southern Qinghai, China. NEIC reported maximum intensity VII in Qinghai, China at Xining with II-III shaking ini China at Lanzhou, Gansu, Chengdu, Sichean, Kian, Shaanxi, Anshun, Guizhou, Changsham Hunan and in India at Pasighat Arunachal Pradesh and Dhlia Gaon, Assam.
It was followed by a series of moderate aftershocks. The M 7.3 followed an M 6.2
in Yunnan, China earlier in the day. Chinese media reported at least three people
were kill and 33 injured. The event in Yunnan occurred near teh city of Dali,
a popular tourist destination accoring to CENC (Chinese Earthquake Networks Centre).
All of the deaths occurred with the Yunnan quake as well as 28 of the 33 reported
injuries. At least 192 building collapsed in this earthquake. Two bridges also collpased and
several sections of highways were destroyed. The larger quake
in Qinghai was less damaging as it occurred in a sparsely populated area.
At least 20,000 people were relocated following today's earthquakes in China.
NEIC reported the M 6.1-6.2 in Yunnan, China was felt with intensity VIII in yunnan at Dali and III in Kunning and Leshan. It was also felt in Vietnam and India.
The remnants of Tropical Cyclone Tauktae were located over the Chinese epicenter
when the earthquakes occurred today. The combined effects of string tidal stresses
with the loading effects of TC Tautere had previously been hypothesized as a
potential enhancer of regional seismicity in Central Asia at this time as:
"Tropical Cyclone Tauktae made landfall in western India in the area of Gujarat
over the past two days. It is currently headed inland and is located near 30N
71E in the region of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This was a very deadly storm
and was according to news sources, the strongest storm ever to hit the west
coast of India in modern times. As it made landfall with winds up to 205 kph in the region of Gujarat
it killed up to 26 people and did great damage to property. A number of barges
in the Arabian Sea were capsized during this storm but most people were
rescued. When Tauktae made landfall this summary reported a moderate
earthquake in Gujarat and the forecast for regional seismicity induced by
stresses from this storm as published in earlier issues of this summary read:
...
"The new moon arrived on May 11, 2021 at 19:00 UT. Longitudes which were at local solar noon at this hour are near 105 West and those at local solar midnight near 75 East longitude. In the west these include areas of central and Western U.S. and Canada and western Mexico as well as portions of the East Pacific Rise. In the east area near 75E include Afghanistan, India, Hindu Kush, Iran and eastern Indonesia and portions of the mid-Indian ridges. These regions are expected to see enhanced seismicity during the coming week. Other tidally promoted seismicity may occur elsewhere and is most likely near local solar midnight and noon when tidal stresses are generally maximized." (May 11-13, 2021)
Another likely promoter of today's event is the very strong Tropical Cyclone Tauktae as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"Tropical Cyclone Tauktae (01A) continued in the area west of India today with winds up to 185 kts. It is expected to track to the north and may impact regional seismicity in Gujarat, western India and the area of Pakistan and Afghanistan in the next several days. Land fall is expected south of Karachi, Pakistan around May 18. The antipode is at 19S 108W over the East Pacific Rise where some seismicity may be promoted at this time." (May 14-18, 2021)
Tropical Cyclone Tauktae made landfall at the same time as this earthquake
occurred within about 50 km of this epicenter.
Following landfall of Tauktae, a strong earthquake occurred at the antipode
of this storm in the South East Pacific Rise with M 6.6. This event was
an expected consequence of TC Tauktae as discussed above. The only earthquake
of larger magnitude in this region of the Southeast Pacific Rise in the past
30 years was an M 7.2 on October 9, 2014." (May 20, 2021)
The M 6.6 in the East Pacific Rise is not far from the antipode of M 7.4 in Qinghai and
may have helped promote the earthquakes in western China today.
Today's M 7.4 in Qinghai occurred within minutes of local solar midnight
and was likely promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this time.
Both this and the Yunnan quake earlier in the day were also likely promted
by high tidal stresses at this longitude associated with the recent new moon
as previously (and above) expected in this summary. The M 7.4 was followed
about an hour later by a C4.8 solar flare - the strongest flare since an M3.9 on
May 7, 2021. The flare could not have triggered the event in Qinghai but is
consistent with an interplanetary phenomenon such as a GRB or gravity wave helping to trigger both.
Major earthquakes within about 300 km of today's epicenter occurred in 1927, 1937 and 1947
with M 7.6, 7.7 and 8.0. The last of these was an M 7.7 on March 17, 1947 about 150 km
south of today's event. The last within about 150 km was an M 7.6 on January 7, 1937.
That event was reported in our history section on January 7, 2021:
" 1 7 13 20 41 1937 35.500 97.600 0 7.6 So. China
Destructive in Tsinghai Province."
It is interesting to note that the earthquake in 1927 of M 8.3 northeast of today's
epicenter also occurred on May 22, 1927 and killed 200,000 with extreme
damage in Qinghai Province, China.." (May 21, 2021)
Today's epicenter is at 101 degrees from New Zealand and at the third node (120 degrees)
from Hurricane Genevieve and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 28JUL2026 03:34:06 35.4N 99.5E Mw=5.8 EMSC SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
O: 28JUL2026 08:04:11 35.3N 99.7E mb=5.1 EMSC SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
O: 28JUL2026 03:16:08 35.4N 99.6E Mw=5.8 EMSC SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake of July 17, 2026. The strongest aftershock today
was an M 5.9. NEIC reported this aftershock was widely felt in Guatemala with IV in Quezaltenango at Salcaja and III in Olintepeque, Quetzaltenango, in San Andres Semetabaj, Solola, Guatemala City, Petapa, Santa Catrina Pinula, and as far as 200 km from the epicenter in Antigua Guatemala. No felt reports were attributed from Mexico. This earthquakes occurred near local solar midnight. The epicenter
of the Chiapas series was directly at sub-solar latitude of 14 North Latitude
today, so it is not surprising to see a strong aftershock at this time. This
is the strongest aftershock in the Chiapas region since an M 6.0 minutes
after the M 7.3 on July 17, 2026.
This activity in Chiapas is at the third node (120 degees) from Kyushu, Japan
and at 106 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 28JUL2026 05:43:39 13.8N 92.9W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 05:51:00 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:06:48 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:39:36 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 12:01:34 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 05:52:26 14.1N 92.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 06:09:16 14.1N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:28:28 14.1N 92.9W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 22:31:09 14.3N 93.1W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 05:35:18 14.3N 92.6W Mw=5.9 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 28JUL2026 08:25:15 14.3N 92.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
An M 5.4 was felt today in the area of Antofagasta, Chile. NEIC reported
it was felt in the area of Calama, Antofagasta with intensity II. This
is the strongest earthquake in a series which began several days ago and
has included an event of M 5.2. At the time this summary noted this activity
as:
"This summary has been following the sequence of events at 45 degrees (node 8)
from Chiapas with interest over the past several days. In the previous
issue of this summary it was noted for instance:
"In particular the series referred to in the Antofagasta region of Chile
intensified today with two moderate earthquakes of M 4.2 and 4.1 at 45
degrees from the Chiapas mainshock. This sequence could intensify further
in the next several days and could include events in the region of M>=5.
Today's earthquakes in Antofagasta were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity III in Antofagasta.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Chile at Arica, Tarapaca, Iquique." (July 22, 2026)
This sequence climaxed today with an M 5.1 in Antofagasta, Chile and a second
event of M 5.1 south of this in Atacama, Chile. EMSC reported these events
were felt with moderate intensity in Calama, Chile.
These epicenters are respectively at 44.8 degrees and 46.9 degrees south
of the NEIC Chiapas epicenter and qualify as eighth nodal earthquakes (at 45 degrees).
These illustrate how nodality can be used to help forecast seismic activity.
Like the previous activity in Antofagasta, today's earthquake is located
near 45 degrees (44.8) from Chiapas and was probably promoted by energy
from that source.
O: 27JUL2026 08:57:43 23.5S 68.6W ML=5.4 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
A strong series of earthquakes also occurred today in the area south of Tonga.
These events with several of M>=5 occurred near local solar noon but
were not reported felt in this remote area.
These epicenters are at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and
at 109 degrees from Venezuela may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 27JUL2026 08:44:08 24.7S 175.2W mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 08:47:18 24.7S 175.2W mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 23:12:12 24.7S 175.2W mb=5.1 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
NEIC reported a pair of earthquakes of M 5.0 and M 4.9 in the South Atlantic Ocean was not felt in this remote area today.
The second of these (M 4.9) occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. This is an unusual epicenter for moderate
earthquakes. The only earthquake recorded within about 200 km of this epicenter in the past
35 years with M>=4 was an M 4.4 on June 4, 1999.
This epicenter is located at 101 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve and at 80.0 degrees (node nine) from Chiapas and 110 degrees
from New Zealand and at 143 degrees from Mindanao may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 26JUL2026 22:39:02 22.5S 20.3W MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
O: 27JUL2026 02:11:32 22.5S 20.3W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
A subsequent earthquake in the southern Mid-Atlantic of M 5.3 occurred near
local solar midnight and may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic
stresses which maximize near this hour.
This epicenter is nearly antipodal to the current position of Typhoon Dolphin
and may have been promoted by energy from that source and like the event
further to the south it is at 102 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve (like the
M 6.8 in Kyushu, Japan today).
This summary had noted in this and previous issues the position of Typhoon
Dolphin and possible antipodal activity as:
"Typhoon Dolphin (TD 12W) continued today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 90 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected in this area at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching super-typhoon intensity with winds up to 180 kts around July 31. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. This could encounter Honshu Japan as a major typhoon in early August and is likely to remain in the super-typhoon category for at least a week due to the unusually warm waters of the Pacific during the current super-El Nino event. It could pose a significant threat to Japanese seismicity as it makes landfall. The antipode is at 14S 10W in the South Atlantic could see enhanced seismicity at this time." (July 27-28, 2026)
O: 28JUL2026 01:27:52 12.7S 14.6W mb=5.3 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
A third event in the south Atlantic Ridge of M 5.0 occurred near Saint Helena and may have been felt lightly in Georgetown, Saint Helena.
Like the events to the south this epicenter is also nearly antipodal
to Typhoon Dolphin and at 102 degrees from Hurricane Genevieve and may have
been promoted by energy from those two strong storms.
O: 27JUL2026 22:32:03 7.5S 13.5W mb=5.0 EMSC ASCENSION ISLAND REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Iceland was felt with likely intensity up to VIII near Akureyri.
The last earthquake of M>=5.4 within about 200 km of this epicenter in
Iceland occurred on October 29, 2025 with M 5.4 but the last event of larger magnitude
in this area was during an eruption on August 26-27, 2014. At the time this summary noted:
"The earthquake in Iceland is in a volcanic area of central Iceland. At M 5.4
it is the largest event in this region of Iceland since an M 5.4 on December 15, 2014
but the last and only such event in the past 25 years in this area of significantly
larger magnitude occurred at the beginning of this series on August 26, 2014 with M 5.7.
At the time this summary noted:
"The earthquake of M 5.7 in Iceland is the strongest recorded in that area
since an M 5.8 on September 16, 2002, the only other event of this size in
Iceland in the past 25 years. It is part of the sub-glacial Bardarbunga volcanic eruption
in the central portion of that island." (August 26, 2014)
Oddly enough, this earthquake in Iceland in 2014 occurred while Hurricane Cristobal
was near the same position where Hurricane Melissa now stands. ..." (October 29, 2025)
This earthquake may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses associated
with the full moon of July 29 (see above). It joined a series of moderately large earthquakes
within about 3 minutes of each other including this, an M 5.9 in Chiapas, Mexico
(see above) and an M 4.8 in Santa Cruz, Chile.
Today's epicenter in Iceland is located at the fifth node from Chiapas, Mexico (72 degrees) and at
102 degrees from Typhoon Dolphin, a major typhoon in the central Pacific
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 28JUL2026 05:36:40 64.7N 17.4W Mw=5.3 EMSC ICELAND
O: 28JUL2026 05:36:39 64.7N 17.4W Mw=5.4 NEIC ICELAND
Two earthquakes at antipodal positions to recent major earthquakes occurred
today. These were an M 4.1 off the coast of Portugal - antipodal to the
M 6.7 in New Zealand and an M 4.5 south of Java - exactly antipodal to the
M 7.5 quakes in Venezuela. Antipodal triggering of earthquakes has been
noted on many previous occasions and is probably caused by strongly concentrated
seismic energy from major events at the antipode.
A foreshock to the event in Portugal occurred near local solar noon and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses.
O: 27JUL2026 13:39:20 43.8N 10.4W ML=2.7 EMSC NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
O: 27JUL2026 20:57:05 43.4N 10.1W ML=4.1 EMSC NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
O: 27JUL2026 17:00:58 11.1S 111.3E ML=4.5 EMSC SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 28JUL2026 02:20:42 10.7S 112.9E ML=3.9 EMSC SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.8 in the Komandorsky Islands north of Kamchatka, Russia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Kthe Komandorsky Islands north of Kamchatka, Russia near Ust'-Kamchatsk Staryy.
The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5.8 occurred
as an M 5.8 on February 26, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Komandorsky Islands of Russia.
It was not reported felt in this remote area. This earthquake occurred within minutes
of local solar noon - a prime time for tidal and/or geomagnetic triggering with the upcoming new moon.
The last earthquake in the Komandorsky
Islands within about 250 km of this epicenter with M>=5.8 occurred on October 26, 2023 with M 5.9.
At the time this summary noted:
"An earthquake of high latitudes also occurred today in the Komandorsky Islands of Russia
with M 5.9. This is the strongest earthquake in the Komandorsky Islands since an M 6.0
on September 20, 2022, the only such event in the past 3 years. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in the Komandorsky Islands, Alaska.
It may have been lightly felt as far as Alaska.
The last earthquake of larger magnitude than M 6.0 in the Komandorsky Islands
occurred as an M 6.6 to the west of today's event on March 16, 2021." (September 20, 2023, October 26, 2023, February 26, 2025)
Today's epicenter in the Komandorsky Islands is at 101 degrees from New Zealand and from Venezuela and at the
fifth node (72 degrees) fron Hurricane Genevieve and may have been promoted
by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 28JUL2026 04:42:19 56.0N 164.9E Mw=5.8 EMSC KOMANDORSKIYE OSTROVA REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Eastern Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Eastern Los Angeles, California in Los Angeles, Valyermo and Chino Hills.
O: 27JUL2026 12:50:21 33.7N 117.0W ML=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27JUL2026 23:49:30 34.0N 117.0W ML=2.5 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.3 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Barra, Canocotan and Dapa, Caraga.
O: 27JUL2026 23:06:34 7.6N 126.6E mb=5.3 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of North Island, New Zealand in Napier, Hawke's Bay.
O: 27JUL2026 21:24:29 39.3S 177.1E mb=4.2 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Santiago, and in O'Higgins at Rengo and Machali.
O: 27JUL2026 17:19:36 33.0S 71.4W mb=4.1 EMSC VALPARAISO, CHILE
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 3.4 and 2.5 in Nevada were felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nevada at Silver Springs, Garenerville and Fallon.
O: 27JUL2026 16:13:18 39.3N 119.0W Mw=3.4 EMSC NEVADA
O: 27JUL2026 16:13:58 39.3N 119.1W ML=2.5 EMSC NEVADA
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 2.6, 2.5 and 2.4 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Kelseyville, Berkeley and Sacramento.
O: 27JUL2026 15:29:01 38.8N 122.7W MD=2.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27JUL2026 15:29:56 38.8N 122.7W MD=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27JUL2026 21:35:39 38.8N 122.8W MD=2.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in Iceland was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Iceland in Mosfellsbaer, Reykjavik, Selfoss, Seltjarnarnes.
O: 27JUL2026 00:36:17 64.1N 21.3W ML=3.9 EMSC ICELAND
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in northern Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of northern Chile in Tarapaca at Iquique and Arica.
O: 27JUL2026 10:24:54 20.2S 69.3W mb=4.8 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Scotland was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Scotland in Spean Bridge, Scottish Highlands with loud rumbling.
O: 28JUL2026 03:09:54 56.9N 4.9W ML=2.5 EMSC SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-28 00:00 UT 21.8N 149.7W 70 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today north-east of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 70 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days remaining at hurricane force winds with gusts up to 100 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. It will then make landfall in northern Hawaii around July 29-31, 2026 where some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 22S 31E near the coast of South Africa where some enhanced seismicity is possible.
TYPHOON DOLPHIN (DEPRESSION 12W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TYPG DOLPHIN 2026-07-28 00:00 UT 13.3N 170.8E 90 kts North-central Pacific
Typhoon Dolphin (TD 12W) continued today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 90 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected in this area at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching super-typhoon intensity with winds up to 180 kts around July 31. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. This could encounter Honshu Japan as a major typhoon in early August and is likely to remain in the super-typhoon category for at least a week due to the unusually warm waters of the Pacific during the current super-El Nino event. It could pose a significant threat to Japanese seismicity as it makes landfall. The antipode is at 14S 10W in the South Atlantic could see enhanced seismicity at this time.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-28 00:00 UT 17.3N 115.0W 145 kts West of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve continued today West of Mexico with winds up to 145 kts (Category 5 hurricane). It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode at 17S 66E is near the South Indian Ridge system - a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity may occur antipodally to Genevieve at this time.
Hurricane Genevieve is a very powerful oceanic storm and could also trigger
seismicity near nodal distance, especially near 103 degrees from the eye.
Some areas at this distance today include Kyushu, Japan and areas of the South
Atlantic among others.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 27, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0308 0319 0345 C5.1 (July 28, 2026) 2.4E-03 *
Scotland M 2.5 03:09 UT
Qinghai, China M 5.8 03:16 UT, M 5.8 03:34 UT
340 0232 0243 0330 M1.0 (July 27, 2026) 5.4E-03 *
South of Tonga M 4.9, 02:42, M 5.0 03:12 UT M 5.2 03:36 UT
Hindu Kush M 4.2 03:09 UT
Chiapas M 4.2 03:30 UT
Andreanof Is. M 3.7 03:22 UT
330 0031 0050 0104 C1.6 (July 27, 2026) 2.9E-03
Iceland M 3.9 00:36 UT
Sumatra M 4.0 00:50 UT
Oaxaca M 4.2 00:56 UT
Tonga M 4.6 01:05 UT
390 1336 1342 1347 C1.5 (July 27, 2026) 1.1E-03
North Atlantic M 2.8 13:39 UT
420 1713 1725 1731 C2.8 (July 27, 2026) 2.2E-03
Valparaiso M 4.1 17:19 UT
430 1935 1948 1953 C3.6 (July 27, 2026) 2.6E-03
Argentina M 3.8 19:37 UT
440 2233 2244 2248 C3.3 (July 27, 2026) 2.0E-03
Central Peru M 4.4 22:36 UT
Ascension Is. M 5.0 22:32 UT
Chiapas M 4.0 22:31 UT
450 2251 2259 2305 C3.5 (July 27, 2026) 2.6E-03
Papua M 4.1 22:57 UT
Mindanao M 5.3 23:06 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled July 29-30 active July 28. Solar M-flare chance: 40% X-class: 10% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 7, high: 3, mid-latitude: 7, time of max k: 11:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 3 Global Kp 3.00 2200-2400, July 27; Sunspot Number: 89; Radio Flux: 147
July 27, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska.
It may have been felt in the Atka area. The last earthquake of M>=5.8 within about 150
km of this epicenter occurred on March 19, 2016 with M 6.0-6.2. At the time
this summary noted:
"After several days of relative quiet in the aftershock zone of the M 6.3 Andreanof Islands quake of March 12, a second similar event occurred today.
It occurred west of the March 12 mainshock and may indicate a stress migration
in that direction. An M 5.0 foreshock occurred 12.5 minutes earlier and PCS/SCP waves
from this event may have triggered the mainshock. These seismic waves reflect
off internal boundaries and return to the epicentral area after this elapsed time.
Many larger aftershocks occur 12-13 minutes after mainshocks and are probably
being triggered by this phase. NEIC reported the mainshock was felt in Atka,
Alaska with intensity II. This summary had expected moderate to strong aftershocks
were likely following the events of March 12 as follows:
"Moderate aftershocks continued in the Andreanof Islands, Aleutians today. The
largest of these was M 5.4 but an M 5.0 also occurred. Ths may continue for
several more days." (March 13, 2016)
No tsunami was expected nor observed with the M 6.2 earthquake today which hit the eastern
Andreanof Islands. Prior to the March 12 M 6.3, the last earthquake in this area within about 200 km of this epicenter in the
Andreanof Islands of M>=6.2 occurred August 30 and September 4, 2013 (M 7.0, 6.5)." (March 19, 2016)
" an M 5.0 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska the
only other event in the world with M>=5.0 in the past 24 hours.
Neither of these events was reported felt in their respective epicentral areas.
The earthquake in the Andreanof Islands was followed by an aftershock of M 4.0
within a couple of minutes of local solar noon. This may indicate the area
is stresses with the potential for a larger (possibly strong) earthquake
in the next several days. The last earthquake with M>=5.0 within about 200 km of this
epicenter was an M 5.0 occurred on February 10, 2026 with M 5.0 about 200
km west of today's epicenter but the largest within 150 km of this
Andreanof Islands epicenter with M>=5 occurred on December 1, 2025 with M 5.1 but the last of significantly larger magnitude in this area was an M 5.4 on July 16, 2025.
At the time this summary noted:
"The earthquake in the Alaska Peninsula was preceded by an M 5.5 in the central
Aleutians, Alaska. This earthquake was not reported felt. These two events
may be related. This earthquake was reported lightly felt in the general
epicentral area by NEIC." (July 16, 2025)
Today's epicenter is near 103 degrees from the M 6.7 in New Zealand and may have
been promoted by energy from that source. It is also at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from Chiapas and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Venezuela and may have
been promoted by energy from those sources as well.
O: 26JUL2026 17:16:12 51.4N 175.1W MB=3.9 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
O: 26JUL2026 08:35:19 51.5N 173.3W Mw=5.8 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.
O: 26JUL2026 16:06:59 51.5N 173.4W ML=3.7 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.
O: 26JUL2026 13:18:43 51.6N 173.4W mb=4.3 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The strongest aftershock today
was an M 4.6. The mainshock was extensively discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 26JUL2026 09:06:37 13.8N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 07:55:21 13.9N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 12:18:28 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 21:30:18 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 05:55:40 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 10:01:18 14.1N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 16:32:51 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 22:10:48 14.1N 93.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 05:25:09 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 08:52:33 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 01:39:00 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 02:13:40 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 27JUL2026 03:30:00 14.3N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 10:04:58 14.4N 92.2W mb=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 26JUL2026 15:54:05 15.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 12:23:35 15.3N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 17:58:29 15.7N 93.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 09:38:10 13.5N 92.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
O: 26JUL2026 14:48:21 13.5N 92.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge was not felt in this remote area.
This is at an unusual epicenter. The last earthquake within about 200 km of
this epicenter with M>=4.7 occurred on August 8, 2021 as a series with strongest magnitude M 5.3.
"Antipodal earthquakes of M 5.2 each occurred in the Near Islands, Aleutians, Alaska and
then in the Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge today. These were note reported felt
in these remote areas. The earthquakes in the Southern Mid-Atlantic followed
a pair of M 5.0 events reported in this summary in the previous issue as:
"Two similar events occurred in the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge with M 5.0. It occurred
near local solar midnight and also was probably promoted by tidal stresses
associated with today's new moon. A strong M 6.6 hit about 200 km southwest of
today's epicenter on April 3, 2021." (August 9, 2021)
The M 5.2 today occurred within about half an hour of local solar noon and
was also probably promoted by high tidal stresses associated with the new moon.
This summary had forecast seismicity with this new moon" (August 9, 2021)
Today's epicenter - like those yesterday in Vanuatu and New Zealand - is at 101 degrees
from Chiapas, Mexico and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 25JUL2026 06:29:22 56.6S 5.6W MD=4.7 NEIC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
An M 5.4 was felt today in the area of Antofagasta, Chile. NEIC reported
it was felt in the area of Calama, Antofagasta with intensity II. This
is the strongest earthquake in a series which began several days ago and
has included an event of M 5.2. At the time this summary noted this activity
as:
"This summary has been following the sequence of events at 45 degrees (node 8)
from Chiapas with interest over the past several days. In the previous
issue of this summary it was noted for instance:
"In particular the series referred to in the Antofagasta region of Chile
intensified today with two moderate earthquakes of M 4.2 and 4.1 at 45
degrees from the Chiapas mainshock. This sequence could intensify further
in the next several days and could include events in the region of M>=5.
Today's earthquakes in Antofagasta were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity III in Antofagasta.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Chile at Arica, Tarapaca, Iquique." (July 22, 2026)
This sequence climaxed today with an M 5.1 in Antofagasta, Chile and a second
event of M 5.1 south of this in Atacama, Chile. EMSC reported these events
were felt with moderate intensity in Calama, Chile.
These epicenters are respectively at 44.8 degrees and 46.9 degrees south
of the NEIC Chiapas epicenter and qualify as eighth nodal earthquakes (at 45 degrees).
These illustrate how nodality can be used to help forecast seismic activity.
Like the previous activity in Antofagasta, today's earthquake is located
near 45 degrees (44.8) from Chiapas and was probably promoted by energy
from that source.
O: 27JUL2026 08:57:43 23.5S 68.6W ML=5.4 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
A strong series of earthquakes also occurred today in the area south of Tonga.
These events with several of M>=5 occurred near local solar noon but
were not reported felt in this remote area.
These epicenters are at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and
at 109 degrees from Venezuela may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 27JUL2026 02:42:08 24.4S 175.0W MW=4.9 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 01:38:46 24.5S 175.1W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 02:32:53 24.5S 175.1W Mw=4.9 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 03:12:04 24.5S 175.0W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 01:34:29 24.6S 175.1W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 01:54:13 24.6S 175.0W mb=5.1 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 03:36:43 24.6S 175.2W Mw=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 05:55:12 24.6S 174.8W mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 08:44:08 24.7S 175.3W Mw=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
O: 27JUL2026 08:47:18 24.7S 175.4W Mw=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF TONGA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.0 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California with intensity III in San Juan Bautista, Gilroy and II in San Jose, Oakland, Hollister and Morgan Hill.
O: 27JUL2026 08:13:16 37.0N 121.4W MD=3.0 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 26JUL2026 23:45:49 37.0N 121.5W MD=2.4 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 27JUL2026 07:01:00 36.6N 121.2W MD=2.4 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Colrado/New Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Colrado/New Mexico with III in Cimarron, New Mexico and II in Los Animas, Colorado.
This is part of a long sequence of events, without accepted causality, that
have struck near this epicenter since September, 2001. Some of these have
reached magnitudes greater than 5.0. The last earthquake with M>3.8 in this
series occurred on May 7, 2026 with M 4.0 but the last of significantly larger magnitude
in the area was an M 4.3 on June 19, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.3 in southern Colorado. It was preceded by an M 3.8 foreshock. The M 4.3 was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity IV in Colorado in Trinidad and La Junta and in Capulin, New Mexico. Intensity II-III was also felt in Colorado at Model, Branson, Las Animas, Granada, Denver and in New Mexico at Raton.
The foreshock was reported with intensity IV in Trinidad and Aguilar, Colorado and III in Raton, New Mexico.
The M 4.3 is the strongest earthquake in this series of events since an M 4.3 on March 10, 2023. The series began
several days before September 11, 2001 (trade towers collapse) on September 5, 2001 with an M 4.5 and has continued
off and on since that time. The strongest earthquakes in the area in the past 35 years occurred on
August 22 and 23, 2011 and were accompanied by an M 5.9 in Virginia and Washington
D.C. which did considerable damage and by one of the strongest Gamma Ray Bursts
ever recorded. When the M 4.3 occurred on March 10, 2023, this summary noted
the past history of the area as:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.3 occurred today in the area of Trinidad, southern Colorado. These were reported by NEIC to have been felt with maximum intensity IV in Colorado in Weston and in Raton, New Mexico and III in Colorado at Aguilar, Trinidad, Walsenburg, Fort Garland, Blanca and in New Mexico at Cimarron and Questa among others.
This swarm which began in September, 2001 several days before the attack on
9-11-2001 of the Trade Center in New York City also is off and on and has been
extensively investigated. No definitive conclusions on the cause of these
earthquakes (or earth disturbances) has been found to this time. Today's M 4.3
occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by high tidal stresses. The last event in this region of M>4 was an M 5.3 on August
23, 2011 and occurred in conjunction with an M 5.8 near Washington D.C. on
the same day which did extensive damage in the Washington area, including
to the National Cathedral and the Washington Monument. This was also associated
with one of the strongest Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB) recorded. The temporal
relation is clear but the physical relation of these events is still fuzzy.
The only other event of M>4.3 in this series occurred as an M 4.9-5.0 on August 10, 2005
and as an M 4.5 on September 5, 2001 with the initial start of these
events. These events occur with approximate 11-year intervals and could
be related to solar cycles of the same length. At the time of the M 5.3
on August 22, 2011, this summary noted:
"Earthquakes of M 5.2-5.4 and M 4.6-5.0 hit southern Colorado near the New Mexico border today.
These events were felt throughout most of Colorado and in much of northern
New Mexico and as far as Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. The larger event has only two
predecessor earthquakes in Colorado of stronger magnitude in historic times.
One of these was an artificially induced earthquake caused by water injection
which occurred with M 5.4 in the Denver area on October 10, 1960. An earthquake
in 1973 may have occurred in northwestern Colorado with M 5.7 but this is
not listed in the "Seismicity of the United States 1568-1989" and may have
had its epicenter in Wyoming as well where it is given an M 4.8 magnitude. While
a geophysicist with the USGS is reported as stating there was an M 5.7
in Colorado in 1973 this is clearly an error. There is no such event listed
in the definitive catalog of historical Colordao earthquake - "Colorado Earthquake
Data and Interpretations 1967 to 1985" by Kirkham and Rogers.
The only natural event of larger magnitude in Colorado history occurred near Denver on November
8, 1882 and while this event was felt strongly in northern Colorado, it is
possible the epicenter was actually in southern Wyoming.
Initial reports indicated that a few homes were damaged and rockslides hit
highways in the epicenral region.
...
Most of the lighter events in the series today also were felt lightly
in the epicentral zone.
When the light precursor hit the region earlier this morning we discussed
this series of events leading up to today's moderately strong earthquake
in this summary as follows:
"An earthquake of M 2.9 was lightly felt in southern Colorado near the
New Mexican border today. This series of unexplained earthquakes began
exactly 10 years ago in late August (28), 2001 and has continued off and on
since that time. The strongest earthquakes in the sequence typically
occur in August and September with an M 5.0 on August 10, 2005, the largest
to date and an M 4.5 on September 5, 2001 the second to date. The last
event of M>=2.5 in the area was an M 3.8 on May 11, 2011 and an M 3.2
on March 12, 2011 shortly after the great Japanese earthquake. Since today's
event followed a strong aftershock of the Japanese event by about the same
time as the earthquakes in March, some triggering may be considered in
these cases." (August 22, 2011, March 10, 2023, June 19, 2023)
Today's epicenter is located at 24 degrees (node 15) from Chiapas, Mexico and from
the current eye of Hurricane Genevieve and may have been promoted by energy
from those sources.
O: 27JUL2026 06:40:15 36.8N 104.8W MB=3.8 EMSC NEW MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Ecuador was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Ecuador in El Triunfo.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Ecuador at Eloy Alfaro, El Triunfo, Guayaquil, Santa Lucia, Chulucanas.
This epicenter is located at 104 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 27JUL2026 04:38:56 2.1S 79.8W MB=4.4 EMSC NEAR COAST OF ECUADOR
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Taiwan in Kaohsuing, Southern Taiwan.
An earlier M 4.7 was reported by EMSC to have been felt in Taiwan with moderate
intensity in Keelung, Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Zhubei, Hsinchu.
Tropical Storm Noul passed over this epicenter one days ago (July 26) and may have
helped promote today's earthquake as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"TS NOUL 2026-07-26 00:00 UT 22.8N 120.8E 75 kts Northern Philippines/Taiwan
TS Noul continued today over the northern Philippines and south of Taiwan with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the west passing south of Taiwan as a light typhoon around July 25. Some seismic enhancement in the northern Philippines and Taiwan is possible as this storm moves through the area. The antipode at 21S 60W is not a seismic area but as this system moves west the antipode will shift to an area of northern Chile and southern Peru and could trigger a moderate regional earthquakes at that time in that area." (July 26, 2026)
O: 27JUL2026 02:14:49 23.2N 120.5E MB=4.5 EMSC TAIWAN
O: 26JUL2026 12:36:17 24.9N 121.8E MB=4.7 EMSC TAIWAN
NEIC reported a pair of earthquakes of M 5.0 and M 4.9 in the South Atlantic Ocean was not felt in this remote area today.
The second of these (M 4.9) occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. This is an unusual epicenter for moderate
earthquakes. The only earthquake recorded within about 200 km of this epicenter in the past
35 years with M>=4 was an M 4.4 on June 4, 1999.
This epicenter is located at 80.0 degrees (node nine) from Chiapas and 110 degrees
from New Zealand and at 143 degrees from Mindanao may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 26JUL2026 22:39:02 22.5S 20.3W MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
O: 27JUL2026 02:11:32 22.5S 20.3W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.3-5.4 in the north Mid- Atlantic Ridge was not felt.
Like the events in the South Atlantic (see above) this epicenter is at 143 degrees
from Mindanao and also at the tenth node (30 degrees) from Venezuela and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 26JUL2026 18:19:41 30.0N 42.8W MW=5.3 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 26JUL2026 18:19:40 30.0N 42.8W MW=5.4 NEIC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in Iceland was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Iceland in Mosfellsbaer, Reykjavik, Selfoss, Seltjarnarnes.
O: 27JUL2026 00:36:17 64.1N 21.3W ML=3.9 EMSC ICELAND
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Spain was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Spain with moderate intensity in Granada, Armilla, Maracena, Las Gabias, Cajar, Zubia, Cullar-Vega among others.
Several light aftershocks were also felt.
Like the unusual earthquakes today in the southern Mid-Atlantic (see above)
this epicenter is located at 80 degrees from Chiapas (node 9) and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 26JUL2026 13:39:28 37.1N 3.6W ML=3.5 EMSC SPAIN
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-27 00:00 UT 20.0N 143.0W 90 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today east of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 90 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days remaining at hurricane force winds with gusts up to 100 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. It will then make landfall in northern Hawaii around July 29-31, 2026 where some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 20S 37E near the coast of South Africa where some enhanced seismicity is possible.
TROPICAL STORM DOLPHIN (DEPRESSION 12W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS DOLPHIN 2026-07-27 00:00 UT 13.4N 176.8E 45 kts North-central Pacific
TS Dolphin (TD 12W) continued today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching super-typhoon intensity with winds up to 170 kts around August 1. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. This could encounter Honshu Japan as a major typhoon in early August and is likely to remain in the super-typhoon category for at least a week due to the unusually warm waters of the Pacific during the current super-El Nino event. It could pose a significant threat to Japanese seismicity as it makes landfall. The antipode is at 13S 4W, a non-seismic area.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-27 00:00 UT 14.5N 110.8W 160 kts South of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve continued today South of Mexico with winds up to 160 kts. It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode at 14S 70E is near the South Indian Ridge system - a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity may occur antipodally to Genevieve.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 26, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0232 0243 0330 M1.0 (July 27, 2026) 5.4E-03 *
South of Tonga M 4.9, 02:42, M 5.0 03:12 UT M 5.2 03:36 UT
Hindu Kush M 4.2 03:09 UT
Chiapas M 4.2 03:30 UT
170 0300 0310 0314 C1.5 (July 26, 2026) 1.6E-03
190 0314 0323 0328 C1.5 (July 26, 2026) 1.4E-03
180 0518 0525 0528 C2.0 (July 26, 2026) 1.2E-03
220 0725 0731 0733 C4.2 (July 26, 2026) 1.3E-03
South Is, New Zealand M 4.1 07:35 UT, M 5.0 07:17 UT
260 1005 1014 1018 C1.9 (July 26, 2026) 1.3E-03
Baja California M 3.3 10:17 UT
Guatemala M 4.2 10:05 UT
270 1348 1357 1404 C1.6 (July 26, 2026) 1.9E-03
290 1404 1409 1411 C1.4 (July 26, 2026) 8.7E-04
280 1517 1528 1532 M3.2 (July 26, 2026) 1.2E-02
Northern Peru M 4.4 15:50 UT
Guatemala M 4.1 15:48 UT
Mindanao M 3.9 15:17 UT M 4.0 15:22 UT
Ionian Sea M 3.4 15:25 UT
320 1957 2011 2026 C1.6 (July 26, 2026) 2.6E-03
Veracruz, Mexico M 4.5 20:16 UT
Caribbean Sea M 3.7 20:15 UT
San Francisco M 2.0 20:55 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled July 29 active July 27-28. Solar M-flare chance: 45% X-class: 10% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 6, high: 7, mid-latitude: 8, time of max k: 11:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 3 Global Kp 2.00 0600-1500, July 26; Sunspot Number: 99; Radio Flux: 148
A moderate excursion in the geomagnetic field as measured at GOES-19 Satellite
magnetometer (at 72 West longitude) occurred starting about 02:43 UT on July 27.
An arcjet maneuver was required to return the satellite to orbit. The arcjet
began about 02:55 and ended 04:25 UT. This excursion was accompanied by an M 4.9
earthquake in Tonga at 02:42 (and others) and followed by an M 5.4 later in the day
in the area of Antofagasta, Chile.
July 26, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
It was a quiet day today in global seismicity. No significant earthquakes were
recorded by seismic networks. The largest earthquake since last report in
the world was an M 5.2 in the Tritan da Cunha region of the south Atlantic
Ocean with an M 5.0 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska the
only other event in the world with M>=5.0 in the past 24 hours.
Neither of these events was reported felt in their respective epicentral areas.
The earthquake in the Andreanof Islands was followed by an aftershock of M 4.0
within a couple of minutes of local solar noon. This may indicate the area
is stresses with the potential for a larger (possibly strong) earthquake
in the next several days. The last earthquake with M>=5.0 within about 200 km of this
epicenter was an M 5.0 occurred on February 10, 2026 with M 5.0 about 200
km west of today's epicenter but the largest within 150 km of this
Andreanof Islands epicenter with M>=5 occurred on December 1, 2025 with M 5.1 but the last of significantly larger magnitude in this area was an M 5.4 on July 16, 2025.
At the time this summary noted:
"The earthquake in the Alaska Peninsula was preceded by an M 5.5 in the central
Aleutians, Alaska. This earthquake was not reported felt. These two events
may be related. This earthquake was reported lightly felt in the general
epicentral area by NEIC." (July 16, 2025)
This epicenter is near 103 degrees from the M 6.7 in New Zealand and may have
been promoted by energy from that source. It is also at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from Chiapas and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Venezuela and may have
been promoted by energy from those sources as well.
O: 25JUL2026 23:31:42 51.1N 173.2W MB=4.0 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
O: 25JUL2026 21:03:17 51.6N 173.3W mb=5.0 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.
O: 26JUL2026 01:57:11 51.8N 173.3W mb=4.1 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS.
The earthquake of M 5.2 in the Tritan da Cunha region of the South Atlantic occurred in the
area of the South Atlantic Geomagnetic anomaly. It is the strongest earthquake
within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.4 on February 10, 2026 - the same
day as an M 5.0 in the Andreanof Islands (see above). The last earthquake
in this area of significantly larger magnitude was an M 5.9 on August 31, 2020. At the time this summary noted:
At the time this summary noted it as:
"An earthquake in the South Atlantic in the Tristan da Cunha region of M 5.9
was also recorded today. The last event within about 300 km of this
epicenter with M>=5.9 was an M 7.0 on June 17, 2015 and an M 6.6 on February 16, 2005." (August 31, 2020)
and
"Seismicity around the world today exploded following the strongest geomagnetic
storm since late October, 2019. Today's activity appeared to be confined to
a series of large events in Ocean Ridges during the first half of the day, but
was followed early on September 1 by strong earthquakes in Atacama Chile of
M 6.8 and 6.3. The Ocean Ridge events occurred on nearly all the world's ocean
ridges including in the Central Atlantic, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and
an M 6.5 in the Central Mid-Atlantic yesterday." (August 31, 2020)
This epicenter is at 102 degrees from New Zealand an Hurricane Genevieve
and may have been promoted by constructive interference from those sources.
It is also at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and
may have been promoted by energy from that source as well.
O: 26JUL2026 01:32:44 34.1S 14.6W MW=5.2 EMSC TRISTAN DA CUNHA REGION
A swarm of light earthquakes continued in the Brawley area of Southern California
today. The largest of these today were south of this in Baja California with M 3.3 and M 3.2. NEIC reported
These events are occurring at the 13th node (26.6 degrees) from Chiapas
and at 104 degrees from South Island, New Zealand and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 26JUL2026 10:17:08 31.5N 115.6W ML=3.3 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 09:15:30 31.9N 116.7W ML=3.2 EMSC OFFSHORE BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXI
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The strongest aftershock today
was an M 4.6. The mainshock was extensively discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 26JUL2026 09:38:10 13.5N 92.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
O: 25JUL2026 21:36:31 13.8N 92.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 26JUL2026 06:42:50 13.8N 93.1W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 09:06:37 13.8N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 09:21:33 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 10:01:33 13.9N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 18:18:10 13.9N 93.4W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 07:55:21 13.9N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 09:54:31 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 10:05:46 14.0N 93.6W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 09:58:22 14.1N 93.6W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 10:01:18 14.1N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 07:13:34 14.2N 94.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 08:52:33 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 01:20:15 14.3N 93.5W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26JUL2026 10:04:55 14.4N 92.3W ML=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 25JUL2026 13:47:17 14.8N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Vancouver British Columbia, Canada near Port McNeill.
O: 25JUL2026 18:33:18 49.5N 129.4W MW=4.5 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California at Santa Rosa.
O: 25JUL2026 11:31:41 38.5N 122.4W MD=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge was not felt in this remote area.
This epicenter - like those yesterday in Vanuatu and New Zealand - is at 101 degrees
from Chiapas, Mexico and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 25JUL2026 06:29:22 56.6S 5.6W MD=4.7 NEIC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Southern Iran was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Iran at Kerman.
O: 26JUL2026 00:16:26 29.6N 56.9E MB=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-26 00:00 UT 19.3N 138.2W 100 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today east of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 100 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 25 with gusts up to 100 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. It will then make landfall on Hawaii around July 26-27, 2026 where some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 19S 41E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is unlikely but possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
TROPICAL DEPRESSION 12W
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TD 12W 2026-07-26 00:00 UT 12.8N 179.8E 40 kts North-central Pacific
TD 12W formed today in the north-central Pacific with winds up to 40 kts. It is expected to track to the west but little seismic enhancement is expected at this time. It will then track towards the Mariana Islands reaching typhoon leves with winds up to 135 kts around August 1. Enhanced seismicity will depend on the path. The antipode is at 12S 2W, a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL STORM NOUL (11W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS NOUL 2026-07-26 00:00 UT 22.8N 120.8E 75 kts Northern Philippines/Taiwan
TS Noul continued today over the northern Philippines and south of Taiwan with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the west passing south of Taiwan as a light typhoon around July 25. Some seismic enhancement in the northern Philippines and Taiwan is possible as this storm moves through the area. The antipode at 21S 60W is not a seismic area but as this system moves west the antipode will shift to an area of northern Chile and southern Peru and could trigger a moderate regional earthquakes at that time in that area.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-26 00:00 UT 12.5N 107.8W 120 kts South of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve continued today South of Mexico with winds up to 120 kts. It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode at 12S 72E is not a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean.
A tropical cyclone may be forming south of Guerrero, Mexico. This system at 9N 99W is moving to the west and is not expected to impact local seismicity at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 25, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9960 0130 0141 0146 C1.8 (July 25, 2026) 1.5E-03
Ecuador M 4.0 01:46 UT
9980 0344 0351 0410 C2.0 (July 25, 2026) 3.1E-03
Guatemala M 4.1 03:55 UT
50 0536 0544 0550 C1.9 (July 25, 2026) 1.5E-03
Iceland M 3.0 05:33 UT M 2.9 05:38 UT
160 2123 2136 2145 C1.6 (July 25, 2026) 2.0E-03
Guatemala M 4.3 21:36 UT
Kermadec M 4.9 21:39 UT
Sumatra M 3.9 21:27 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: quiet July 26 active July 27-28. Solar M-flare chance: 45% X-class: 5% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 5, high: 6, mid-latitude: 6, time of max k: 11:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 3 Global Kp 2.00 1800-2200, July 25; Sunspot Number: 86; Radio Flux: 145
A moderate geomagnetic storm reached Hp30 index around 3 around 18:00-22:00 UT.
July 25, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A moderate earthquake of M 4.3 occurred in northern Argentina today. NEIC reported
it was likely felt with intensity IV in Argentina near San Antonio de los Cobres.
This earthquake follows a strong activation of the region from Antofagasta,
Chile to northern Argentina and Bolivia. This earthquake is near the
antipode of Tropical Storm Noul and may have been promoted by energy from
that antipodal storm as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"TS Noul continued today over the northern Philippines and south of Taiwan with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the west passing south of Taiwan as a light typhoon around July 25. Some seismic enhancement in the northern Philippines and Taiwan is possible as this storm moves through the area. The antipode at 21S 60W is not a seismic area but as this system moves west the antipode will shift to an area of northern Chile and southern Peru and could trigger a moderate regional earthquakes at that time in that area." (July 24-25, 2026)
It is also the latest in a series of events at the eighth node from Chiapase (45 degrees).
This has been discussed in previous issues of this summary for example as:
"In particular the series referred to in the Antofagasta region of Chile
intensified today with two moderate earthquakes of M 4.2 and 4.1 at 45
degrees from the Chiapas mainshock. This sequence could intensify further
in the next several days and could include events in the region of M>=5.
Today's earthquakes in Antofagasta were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity III in Antofagasta.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Chile at Arica, Tarapaca, Iquique." (July 22, 2026)
This sequence climaxed today with an M 5.1 in Antofagasta, Chile and a second
event of M 5.1 south of this in Atacama, Chile. EMSC reported these events
were felt with moderate intensity in Calama, Chile.
These epicenters are respectively at 44.8 degrees and 46.9 degrees south
of the NEIC Chiapas epicenter and qualify as eighth nodal earthquakes (at 45 degrees).
These illustrate how nodality can be used to help forecast seismic activity." (July 22, 2026)
This epicenter in Argentina occurred at 46 degrees (node 8) from Chiapas
and was likely promoted by energy from that source.
O: 24JUL2026 19:38:42 23.9S 66.7W MW=5.3 EMSC JUJUY, ARGENTINA
A swarm of light earthquakes continued in the Brawley area of Southern California
today. The largest of these today was an M 3.0. NEIC reported
these were being felt with intensity up to III in Brawley and Imperial, California.
These events are occurring at the 13th node (27.6 degrees) from Chiapas
and at 104 degrees from South Island, New Zealand and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 25JUL2026 02:08:29 33.1N 116.0W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25JUL2026 01:27:20 33.2N 115.6W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25JUL2026 01:27:20 33.2N 115.6W ML=3.1 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25JUL2026 05:21:41 33.2N 115.7W ML=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25JUL2026 01:16:52 32.0N 116.3W ML=2.9 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 01:16:52 32.0N 116.3W ML=3.1 NEIC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The strongest aftershock today
was an M 5.1 which occurred near local solar midnight and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
The mainshock was extensively discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 24JUL2026 18:43:19 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 02:55:03 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 10:09:35 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 13:57:39 14.1N 93.5W ML=4.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 07:13:34 14.2N 94.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 10:25:49 14.3N 93.7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 04:44:30 14.3N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 05:57:03 14.3N 92.9W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 25JUL2026 05:26:33 14.5N 92.8W Mw=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 09:37:05 14.9N 93.7W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 09:20:26 15.0N 93.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 22:08:01 15.0N 93.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 21:57:14 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in northern Vanuatu.
It was reported by NEIC to have been felt in the epicentral area with IV in Luganville, Sanma. The last earthquake in northern
Vanuatu within about 200 km of this epicenter occurred as an M 7.3 on March 30, 2026
At the time this summary noted:
"A strong excursion in the GOES 18 magnetometer occurred beginning about 06:20 UT on March 30 and continued through about 09:30 UT. This
involved a near doubling of the geomagnetic field strength from low value to high value
from 06:30 to 07:00 UT. The M 7.3 in Vanuatu occurred during this excursion
and may have been promoted by it.
...
A major earthquake of M 7.3 followed the X1.4 flare (see above) by several hours in the
area of Vanuatu. Tsunami waves were not expected nor observed with this earthquake. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in Sanma, Vanuatu at Port Olry, Luganville, V in Longana Oenama; IV in Vile Shefa, Isangel Tafea and III in Lakatoro, Malampa and II in New Caledonia at Noumea and Houailu. It was preceded by an M 5.4 foreshock about 6 seconds earlier. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Port Vila, Vanuatu and in Bouloupari, Monte-Dore and Noumea New Calenonia. This is the second strongest earthquake in the world during
2026 (following an M 7.5 in Tonga on March 24, 2026. It occurred at a longitude
which was exactly at local noon when the C1.6 flare hit and near local noon
at the beginning of the X1.4 flare and was probably promoted by SFE from
those flares. Other major events in the past half year have occurred with M 7.4 and M 7.7
on October 10, 2025 in Mindanao and the Drake Passage and on December 8, 2025 with M
on December 8, 2025 in Hokkaido, Japan.
The last earthquake in Vanuatu within about 250 km of this epicenter with M>=7.3
occurred on December 17, 2024 about 200 km south of today's epicenter. Other
earthquakes in the area since 1990 occurred as an M 7.3 on August 10, 2010
and M 7.5 on November 25, 1999." (March 30, 2026)
Today's earthquake in Vanuatu and an event of M 5.7-6.3 in North Island, New Zealand
are the first events of M>=6 in the world since the M 7.3 in Chiapas, Mexico
of July 17, 2026.
So it may be significant that these epicenters in Vanuatu and New Zealand lie at 102-103 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from New Zealand; at the eighth node (46 degrees) from Venezuela and at the 16th node (24 degrees) may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 24JUL2026 22:39:19 13.9S 167.5E MB=4.9 EMSC VANUATU
O: 24JUL2026 21:19:47 14.0S 166.9E Mw=5.3 EMSC VANUATU
O: 24JUL2026 21:37:55 14.0S 166.8E Mw=6.0 EMSC VANUATU
An earthquake of M 5.7 (NEIC) to 6.3 (GeoNet) also occurred in North Island, New Zealand about 5 hours
before the event in Vanuatu. This is the strongest shallow focus earthquake
in New Zealand within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.7 on July 7, 2021 and an M 5.7 on
April 11, 1993. At the time of the the event in July, 2012 this summary noted:
"This is the largest earthquake located by NEIC in the North Island of New Zealand during 2012 after an M 4.8 on March 30.
The last earthquake of M>=5 in the area occurred nearly exactly a year ago
as an M 5.3 on July 5, 2011 about 70 km north of today's epicenter." (July 7, 2012)
Like the following M 6.0 in Vanuatu to the north this epicenter is also at 102 degrees from
Chiapas, Mexico. EMSC reported it was felt in North Island, New Zealand
at Hamilton, N.Z.
GeoNet reported nearly 23,000 prople reported feeling this quake with the following data for this event.
O: 24JUL2025 16:51:36 39.0S 175.2E MB=6.3 GEONET 22942 people reported feeling this earthquake with 6494 at weak intensity and 9054 with light shaking and 6166 with moderate intensity 1063 with strong, 138 with severe and 27 with extreme intensity.
O: 24JUL2026 16:51:37 39.0S 175.2E MW=5.7 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 24JUL2026 16:51:36 39.0S 175.2E MB=6.3 IGNS NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 24JUL2026 17:03:19 39.0S 175.2E ML=3.0 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 24JUL2026 17:21:50 39.0S 175.2E ML=3.7 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 24JUL2026 20:34:51 39.0S 175.2E ML=3.2 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Colombia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Colombia in Bucaramanga, Santander.
O: 25JUL2026 06:29:17 3.9N 78.7W MB=4.4 EMSC SOUTH OF PANAMA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.7 in the Drake Passage may have been felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Drake Passage in Ushuaia, Argentina.
This epicenter is located near the fifth node (72 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 24JUL2026 23:10:29 57.4S 67.0W MB=5.7 EMSC DRAKE PASSAGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Southern Italy was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Italy in Salle, Abruzzen, Pontelatone, Campania, Picinisco, Lazio and II in Atina.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Italy at Alfedena, Picinisco, Castel di Sangro, Rivisondoli, Capriati A Volturno, Bamerale, Sora, Arpino, Isola del Liri, Pacentro, Sulmona among others.
This follows an M 4.7 in Sicily Italy and an M 4.4 in Austria reported
in the previous issues of this summary as:
"Two unusual moderate earthquakes occurred today in Europe. The strongest
of these was an M 4.7 in Sicily, Italy at a deep focal depth of 243 km.
It was not reported by NEIC to have been felt due to its depth. It occurred
within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
The last earthquake in Sicily within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.7
occurred on June 1, 2026 with M 6.2. Today's event appears to be an aftershock
of that mainshock.
...
This epicenter is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, and was probably
promoted by energy from that source." (July 24, 2026)
This epicenter is near the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 24JUL2026 22:08:15 41.7N 14.0E MW=4.2 EMSC SOUTHERN ITALY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Southern Sumatra was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of in Southern Sumatra in Biha.
O: 24JUL2026 17:28:06 5.7S 103.8E MB=4.9 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Kamchatka, Russia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kamchatka, Russia in Vilyuchinsk, Paratunka, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
This epicenter is at 90.0 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and was likely promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 24JUL2026 16:33:19 51.7N 158.0E MB=5.1 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-24 00:00 UT 19.0N 134.2W 100 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today east of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 100 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 25 with gusts up to 100 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. It will then make landfall on Hawaii around July 25-26, 2026 where some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 19S 45E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is unlikely but possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
TROPICAL STORM NOUL (11W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS NOUL 2026-07-24 00:00 UT 21.8N 119.8E 75 kts Northern Philippines
TS Noul continued today over the northern Philippines and south of Taiwan with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the west passing south of Taiwan as a light typhoon around July 25. Some seismic enhancement in the northern Philippines and Taiwan is possible as this storm moves through the area. The antipode at 21S 60W is not a seismic area but as this system moves west the antipode will shift to an area of northern Chile and southern Peru and could trigger a moderate regional earthquakes at that time in that area.
HURRICANE GENEVIEVE (07E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR GENEVIEVE 2026-07-24 00:00 UT 11.5N 104.8W 75 kts South of Mexico
Hurricane Genevieve formed today South of Mexico with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to track to the west but is unlikely to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode at 11S 75E is not a seismic area in the South Indian Ocean.
A tropical cyclone may be forming south of Guerrero, Mexico. This system at 9N 99W is moving to the west and is not expected to impact local seismicity at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 23, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9760 0005 0009 0012 C1.5 (July 24, 2026) 6.9E-04
Rat Is. M 3.7 00:08 UT
Austria M 4.4 23:59 UT
9810 0358 0405 0408 C1.8 (July 24, 2026) 1.0E-03
9820 0414 0427 0436 C2.4 (July 24, 2026) 2.9E-03
9830 0639 0647 0700 C1.8 (July 24, 2026) 2.1E-03
9900 2052 2105 2113 C2.6 (July 24, 2026) 2.7E-03
Vanuatu M 5.3 21:19 UT M 6.0 21:37 UT
Baja Caliornia M 3.0 21:15 UT
9910 2146 2203 2218 C3.0 (July 24, 2026) 5.1E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: disturbed July 25 quiet July 26 active July 27. Solar M-flare chance: 45% X-class: 5% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 9, high: 6, mid-latitude: 9, time of max k: 00:00-03:00 UT; Max k: 4 Global Kp 4.00 0000-0300, July 24; Sunspot Number: 101; Radio Flux: 150
A strong excursion in the strength of the geomagnetic field was measured at
the GOES 18 magnetometer beginning about 18:30 UT on July 24, 2026. This resulted in a required
arcjet to correct the orbit of that satellite. This operation was concluded
by 20:10 UT when normal operations continued. Earthquakes of M 4.5 in the Izu Islands, Japan
and M 4.3 in Chiapas, Mexico coincided with this geomagnetic event at 18:43 UT
near local solar noon in Chiapas and may have been related to it.
A minor geomagnetic storm occurred at this time reaching a maximum Hp30 (Kp) of
3.66 between 18:30 and 19:00 UT (GFZ) with sudden commencement around 18:43 UT.
July 24, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong enhancement in the geomagnetic field recorded on the GOES-19 magnetometer
began about 02:40 UT on July 24. It lasted as a geomagnetic pulse until about 02:55 UT.
An arcjet maneuver was then performed returning GOES-19 to it original orbit
and normal operations returned by 04:21 UT. This was the strongest electromagnetic
pulse recorded at GOES satellites in some time. This type of event has been
followed in this summary for months as it is often accompanied by a significant
earthquake. So it should come as no surprise to readers of this summary
that a significant earthquake of M 4.8 occurred in Puerto Rico at 02:42 UT
at the start of this geomagnetic field excursion. GOES-19 is in a stationary
orbit at 72 West longitude while the event in Puerto Rico is at 68 West longitude
so the satellite was measuring the field over the site of the earthquake.
NEIC reported this earthquake was widely felt in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic with IV in Puerto Rico at Utuado, Lajas and Adjuntas and III in Cabo Rojo, Lares, Barranquitas, Ciales, Comerio, Aguas Buenas, Mayaguez, Anasco, Aguada, Arroyo, Carolina, San Juan, among others and in the Dominican Republic with III in Santo Domingo, Miches, Boca de Yum, Otra Banda, La Altagracia.
This is a significant earthquake. A foreshock of M 3.1 was also felt two hours earlier with intensity II in Mayaguez and Aguadilla. The last earthquake in Puerto Rico within
about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.8 occurred on June 26, 2026 with M 5.0
and prior to that as an M 5.1 on February 19, 2026. The the last shallow focus
earthquake of significantly larger magnitude was an M 5.7 on June 24, 2025.
At the time of the June, 2026 quake ( which followed a similar arcjet maneuver on
GOES 18 on June 26) this summary noted:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in the Dominican Republic was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Dominican Republic with IV in Puerto Rico at Utuado, III in Anasco, Aguada, San Juan, Guaynabo, Arroyo, and Rincon.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in the Dominican Republic at La Romana, Punta Cana, Salvaleon de Higuey, Otra Banda, Hato Mayo del Rey, Boca Chica, Guerra, Santo Domingo, and in Puerto Rico in Mayaguez among others. It
was reported as far as 300 km from the epicenter.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon at a latitude
which was near sub-solar at the time and may have been promoted by tidal
and/or geomagnetic stresses. The last earthquake in the Dominican Republic
within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=5 occurred as an M 5.7 on August 5, 2025 and
one year ago on June 24, 2025 also with M 5.7. At the time this summary noted:
"An M 5.7 earthquake was widely felt in the areas of the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Puerto Rico at Adjuntas, Aguada, Auadilla, Cabo Rojo, Utuado and III in Anasco, Arecibo, Camuy, Barceloneta and Castaner.
An M 4.5 aftershock occurred which was felt with loud rumbling in Dominican Republic at Otra Banda and Punta Cana and strongly in Ponce, Puerto Rico (EMSC data).
A foreshock of M 3.9 was felt with intensity IV in Otra Banda Dominican Republic and III in Puerto Rico at Ponce, Cayey, San Juan, Guaynabo, and Carolina.
This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour. The epicenter
is near sub-solar at this time of June. This has not been lost to this
audience in the past several days as it was reported:
"Because of its location near the Tropic of Capricorn, Mexico is no stranger to
major earthquakes near the summer solstice when the sun is directly overhead.
Such events occurred in 1897 (M 7.0); 1916 (M 7.1); 1928 (M 8.0) and 1982 (M 7.2)
among others. This relation had been noted in the previous issues of this report as:
"On the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, the sun reaches its zenith at about 23 degree North latitude
due to the tilt of the earth's axis. Vertical tidal triggering is therefore
maximized near 23 North latitude at this time of year. Seismicity can be
seen to increase at this latitude as well as evidenced by today's India earthquake at 23 North
latitude ... (June 22, 2020, June 19, 2025, June 24, 2025, June 26, 2026)
Today's earthquake in Puerto Rico is also near the sub-solar latitude for
July 23 and may be considered a sub-solar event.
Today's epicenter in Puerto Rico is at 24.8 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico event
of M 7.3. This is the 14th nodal distance (24.7 degrees) and may indicate
a substantial effect on the region from Chiapas.
O: 24JUL2026 02:42:34 18.9N 67.3W MW=4.8 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 24JUL2026 00:55:18 19.0N 67.2W MD=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
Two unusual moderate earthquakes occurred today in Europe. The strongest
of these was an M 4.7 in Sicily, Italy at a deep focal depth of 243 km.
It was not reported by NEIC to have been felt due to its depth. It occurred
within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
The last earthquake in Sicily within about 150 km of this epicenter with M>=4.7
occurred on June 1, 2026 with M 6.2. Today's event appears to be an aftershock
of that mainshock. At the time this summary noted it as:
"A strong M 6.2 earthquake hit near the coast of southern Italy today at a depth
of 243 km. NEIC reported it was widely felt throughout southern Italy with IV in Calbria and Apulien at Rose, Amantea, Simeri Crichi, Adelfia, Brancaleone, Botricello, Malera, Sovarato and Tropea and in Caltagirone, Sicily, Italy.
EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in Italy at Torremezzo di Falconara, Paola, Scarcelli, Mendicono, Flaerna Scalo, Cosenza, Arcavacata, Quattromiglia, Settimo, Platania, Lamezia Terme, Tropea, Santa Domenica, Maida, San Nicolo, San Costantino Alabro, San Demetrio Corone, Vallelonga, Siano, Scalea, San Nicola Arcella, Staletti, and as far as 350 km in Albania, at Vlore in Greece at Corgu, in Malta at Gzira, it was also felt lightlyin Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Algera, Liechtenstein, among others.
No tsunami was expected nor observed. This is the strongest earthquake in southern Italy within about 200 km of this
epicenter in at least 35 years. The last significant earthquake in this
region of Italy was an M 6.0 about 200 km northwest of today's epicenter
on March 9, 2026. ..." (June 1, 2026)
This epicenter is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, and was probably
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JUL2026 22:55:57 38.9N 15.5E ML=4.5 EMSC SICILY, ITALY
O: 23JUL2026 22:55:57 39.0N 15.4E ML=4.7 NEIC SICILY, ITALY
The second moderate earthquake in Europe today was an M 4.4 in Austria about
an hour after the Sicily earthquake (see above). NEIC reported it was felt in Austria with intensity V in Reichenau; IV in Murzzuschlag; III in Neunkirchen, Rust, Vienna and II in Graz, Berndorf, Kindberg and in Sopron, Hungary and Rozdrojovice, Czech Republic.
EMSC reported moderate shaking and a loud noise in Austria at Semmering, Schottwien, Trattenbach, Gloggnitz, Stuppach, Ganz, Murzzuschlag, Kapellen, Monichkirchen, Warth, among others. Also reported felt as far as Switzerland, Croatia, Czechia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in Austria with
M>=4.4 occurred on July 21, 2003 with M 4.7. An M 4.5 also occurred about 200
km south of today's epicenter on August 13, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.5 in Croatia was felt with intensity up to VI in the area(s) of Croatia in Rasinja and V in Ludbreg." (August 13, 2024)
Today's epicenter is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, and was probably
O: 23JUL2026 23:59:07 47.7N 15.8E ML=4.4 EMSC AUSTRIA
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Molucca Sea, Indonesia.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from New Zealand and 140
degrees from Chiapas and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 22:58:35 0.7N 126.3E MW=5.8 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
The most notable earthquake of the day was an M 5.0 in the Texas Panhandle. NEIC
reported it was widely felt in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and as far as Colorado.
NEIC reported likely shaking up to VII in the epicentral area with reports
of intensity V in Miami, Texas and IV in Texas at Spearman, Gruver, Pampa, Stinnett, Shamrock, Canadian, White Deer, Amarillo; in Kamsas at Larned, Ashland, Salina, and in Oklahoma at Vici, Shattuck, Gould.
Intensity III was reported within about 300 km of the epicenter throughout
Texas and Oklahoma and II as far as 500 km away in Dallas (among other), Texas.
Hurricane Bertha, the first Gulf of Mexico/America storm of the season
made landfall on the coast of Louisiana and Texas at about 10:00 UT on
July 23, coincident with this earthquake in the Texas Panhandle. Stresses
from this landfall of Bertha probably were the main triggers for this coincident
in Texas. This summary has followed the progress of Bertha in previous issues
for example as:
"TS BERTHA 2026-07-21 00:00 UT 29.3N 87.9W 50 kts South of Florida
TS Bertha (02L) continued today south of Florida (US) in the northern Gulf of America (Mexico) with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Bertha is near 29S 92E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time. Landfall is expected in two days near New Orleans, Louisiana." (July 21, 2026)
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
the Texas Panhandle in more than 35 years and matches the strongest earthquake
every recorded in this area - an M 5.0 on July 30, 1925. An M 5.1 occurred about 300 km to the
east of this on February 13, 2016 in Oklahoma.
This forecast had expected today's event at a lower magnitude was likely around
July 24, 2026 in forecast 184150 as follows:
O: 23JUL2026 10:21:43 35.9N 101.0W ML=5.0 NEIC TEXAS PANHANDLE
P: 24JUL2026 184150 35.4N 101.8W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA SW U.S.A
The area has begun to show signs of unrest in recent years however. The last earthquake
in this area with M>=4 for example occurred as an M 4.3 on April 14, 2021.
At the time this summary noted:
"Two unusual earthquakes occurred today in the region of northern Texas.
This activity is at 100-104 degrees from the major and great eartquakes
in the Loyalty Islands, Kermadec Islands and North Island, New Zealand of
February and March , 2021 and was likely promoted by energy from that source.
The largest of these, and the strongest in the U.S. or Canada was an M 4.3 which hit the Texas Panhandle today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Miami, Texas and II-III in Borger, Skellytown, Pampa, Perryton, Groom, Amarillo, and possibly as far as Axtell, Nebraska.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in at
least 30 years. The only earthquake in this area of larger magnitude in the
past 50 years was an M 4.5-4.6 on February 15, 1974. The strongest quake in this
area on record is an M 5.0 on July 30, 1925." (April 14, 2021)
This epicenter is at 22.4 degrees from the NEIC position of the epicenter
of the M 7.3 Chiapas earthquake (the 16th node is at22.5 degrees). Readers
are aware that a number of significant earthquakes in the past several days
have been occurring at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Chiapas, so the
distance of 22.5 degrees (node 16) or half of that is probably quite important
and this earthquake in Texas was likely promoted by energy from Chiapas.
This earthquake is also at the third node (120 degrees) from Mindanao, Philippines
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JUL2026 10:21:43 35.9N 101.0W ML=5.0 NEIC TEXAS PANHANDLE
An earthquake of M 3.9 also occurred in the active area of the Permian Basin
in Western Texas today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Texas at Big Spring and II in Gail.
The stresses associated with the lanfall of TS Bertha that affected the Texas Panhandle today also
probably helped promote this earthquake.
O: 23JUL2026 17:15:27 32.5N 101.2W ML=3.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 23JUL2026 17:15:27 32.5N 101.2W ML=3.9 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
The earthquake in the Texas Panhandle followed 51 minutes after an M 5.1 in the eastern Andreanof Islands,
Alaska. Several reflected P-phases were in the area of Texas from Alaska
at the time of the earthquake in Texas, but it is unlikely they triggered it.
This epicenter in Alaska is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Venezuela and
at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Chiapas and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 09:30:18 51.6N 173.6W ML=5.1 NEIC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA
O: 23JUL2026 06:51:06 51.6N 172.9W mb=4.6 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
O: 24JUL2026 01:03:20 51.2N 176.1W MB=5.0 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
A swarm of light earthquakes occurred in the Brawley area of Southern California
today. The largest of these at this writing was an M 3.6. NEIC reported
these were being felt with intensity up to III in Brawley and Imperial, California.
These events began within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight and may
have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near
this hour.
These events are occurring at the 13th node (27.6 degrees) from Chiapas
and at 104 degrees from South Island, New Zealand and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 07:14:20 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:15:08 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:16:28 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:31:41 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:31:48 32.9N 115.5W Mw=3.6 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:27:37 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:44:53 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.3 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:49:11 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:52:35 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:55:06 32.9N 115.6W ML=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:57:46 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:59:47 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 09:03:52 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.7 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 09:09:16 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 09:24:34 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.4 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 10:14:17 32.9N 115.5W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 16:24:28 32.9N 115.6W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 23:40:37 33.7N 116.8W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Far-field triggering of earthquakes from Chiapas, Mexico, South Island New Zealand and Venezuela continued unabated
today. Most of the largest earthquakes of the day occurred at nodal distances
from Chiapas and had been expected in this sequence. In the previous issue of this
summary this had been discussed in part as:
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the Central Mid-Atlantic was not felt.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JUL2026 06:29:57 8.5N 39.4W Mw=5.1 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 23JUL2026 06:30:12 10.0N 41.0W Mw=4.9 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The mainshock was extensively
discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 23JUL2026 08:44:50 13.6N 93.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 13:13:59 13.8N 92.3W mb=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 23JUL2026 08:28:22 13.9N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 12:04:47 13.9N 92.3W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 23JUL2026 23:21:05 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 04:28:29 13.9N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 10:51:28 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 20:28:21 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 22:39:03 14.0N 93.4W mb=4.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 23:00:11 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 20:53:57 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 21:26:33 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 23:03:55 14.1N 93.5W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 23:11:11 14.1N 93.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 06:47:20 14.2N 93.7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 08:06:46 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 24JUL2026 05:21:10 14.2N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 22:07:26 14.4N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 15:29:58 14.6N 93.4W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
NEIC also reported earthquakes of M 4.7 and M 4.4 in the Santa Cruz Islands and southern Vanuatu respectively was not felt.
This epicenter lies at 103 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JUL2026 14:12:57 11.9S 166.5E MB=4.7 EMSC SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS
O: 23JUL2026 13:21:48 20.1S 168.8E MB=4.4 EMSC LOYALTY ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in the Gulf of California was not felt.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from New Zealand; at the eighth node (46 degrees) from Venezuela and at the 16th node (24 degrees) may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 02:01:05 30.3N 113.7W ML=4.2 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in San Francisco, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of San Francisco, California with IV in Hayward and III in Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley.
O: 23JUL2026 21:20:23 37.9N 122.3W MD=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Colombia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Colombia in Bucaramanga, Santander.
O: 23JUL2026 17:50:29 6.7N 73.1W MB=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN COLOMBIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Central Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Central Turkey in Malatya, Gaziantep.
O: 23JUL2026 07:26:44 38.4N 37.9E MW=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL TURKEY
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-24 00:00 UT 18.5N 129.2W 100 kts Pacific east of Hawaii
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today east of Hawaii in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 100 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 24 with gusts up to 100 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. It will then make landfall on Hawaii around July 25-26, 2026 where some seismic enhancement is likely including the possibility of enhanced volcanism and a moderate earthquake about the time of landfall. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 18S 51E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is unlikely but possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
HURRICANE BERTHA (02L)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR BERTHA 2026-07-24 00:00 UT 30.3N 93.9W 50 kts Texas/Louisiana
TS Bertha (02L) dissipated today in the central Texas after making landfall near the Louisiana/Texas border early on July 23 with winds up to 50 kts. It then tracked to the west and made a second landfall on the Texas coast later on July 23. Seismicity in Texas and Louisiana could be further enhanced by this landfall event especially in western Texas and New Mexico. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Bertha is near 30S 86E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time. Landfall is expected in two days near New Orleans, Louisiana.
TROPICAL STORM NOUL (11W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS NOUL 2026-07-24 00:00 UT 18.8N 121.8E 55 kts Northern Philippines
TS Noul formed today over the northern Philippines and south of Taiwan with winds up to 55 kts. It is expected to track to the west passing south of Taiwan as a light typhoon around July 25. Some seismic enhancement in the northern Philippines and Taiwan is possible as this storm moves through the area. The antipode at 19S 58W is not a seismic area but as this system moves west the antipode will shift to an area of northern Chile and southern Peru and could trigger a moderate regional earthquakes at that time in that area.
A tropical cyclone may be forming south of Guerrero, Mexico. This system at 9N 99W is moving to the west and is not expected to impact local seismicity at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 23, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
9440 0136 0141 0147 C1.2 (July 23, 2026) 8.6E-04
Antofagasta M 4.7 01:56 UT
Gulf of California M 4.2 02:01 UT
9460 0249 0253 0257 C1.7 (July 23, 2026) 8.3E-04
Northern Peru M 4.6 02:55 UT
9470 0303 0312 0314 C1.5 (July 23, 2026) 1.4E-03
Papua M 4.0 03:04 UT
Southern Idaho M 3.2 03:13 UT
Mexico M 3.9 03:09 UT
9510 0314 0318 0324 C2.0 (July 23, 2026) 1.6E-03
Idaho M 3.2 03:12 UT
9520 0324 0327 0329 C5.3 (July 23, 2026) 1.5E-03
9530 0638 0644 0647 C1.3 (July 23, 2026) 7.3E-04
Chiapas M 4.0 06:47 UT
Tanimbar M 3.9 06:42 UT
Andreanof Is. M 4.6 06:51 UT
9600 0957 1002 1007 C1.3 (July 23, 2026) 7.9E-04
9650 1431 1512 1527 C2.8 (July 23, 2026) 6.7E-03
9670 1645 1652 1655 C1.9 (July 23, 2026) 1.0E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: minor storms July 24 disturbed July 25-26. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 10% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 22, high: 28, mid-latitude: 15, time of max k: 18:00-20:00 UT; Max k: 6 Global Kp 5.33 1800-2000, July 23; Sunspot Number: 63; Radio Flux: 150
A G1 geomagnetic storm with Kp up to 5.33 occurred late on the UT day of July 23
This is the strongest geomagnetic storm since planetary A-index reached 75 on July 4, 2026.
July 23, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The most notable earthquake of the day was an M 5.0 in the Texas Panhandle. NEIC
reported it was widely felt in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and as far as Colorado.
NEIC reported likely shaking up to VII in the epicentral area with reports
of intensity V in Miami, Texas and IV in Texas at Spearman, Gruver, Pampa, Stinnett, Shamrock, Canadian, White Deer, Amarillo; in Kamsas at Larned, Ashland, Salina, and in Oklahoma at Vici, Shattuck, Gould.
Intensity III was reported within about 300 km of the epicenter throughout
Texas and Oklahoma and II as far as 500 km away in Dallas (among other), Texas.
Hurricane Bertha, the first Gulf of Mexico/America storm of the season
made landfall on the coast of Louisiana and Texas at about 10:00 UT on
July 23, coincident with this earthquake in the Texas Panhandle. Stresses
from this landfall of Bertha probably were the main triggers for this coincident
in Texas. This summary has followed the progress of Bertha in previous issues
for example as:
"TS BERTHA 2026-07-21 00:00 UT 29.3N 87.9W 50 kts South of Florida
TS Bertha (02L) continued today south of Florida (US) in the northern Gulf of America (Mexico) with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Bertha is near 29S 92E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time. Landfall is expected in two days near New Orleans, Louisiana." (July 21, 2026)
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
the Texas Panhandle in more than 35 years and matches the strongest earthquake
every recorded in this area - an M 5.0 on July 30, 1925. An M 5.1 occurred about 300 km to the
east of this on February 13, 2016 in Oklahoma.
This forecast had expected today's event at a lower magnitude was likely around
July 24, 2026 in forecast 184150 as follows:
O: 23JUL2026 10:21:43 35.9N 101.0W ML=5.0 NEIC TEXAS PANHANDLE
P: 24JUL2026 184150 35.4N 101.8W 2.0-4.1 AAAAA SW U.S.A
The area has begun to show signs of unrest in recent years however. The last earthquake
in this area with M>=4 for example occurred as an M 4.3 on April 14, 2021.
At the time this summary noted:
"Two unusual earthquakes occurred today in the region of northern Texas.
This activity is at 100-104 degrees from the major and great earthquakes
in the Loyalty Islands, Kermadec Islands and North Island, New Zealand of
February and March , 2021 and was likely promoted by energy from that source.
The largest of these, and the strongest in the U.S. or Canada was an M 4.3 which hit the Texas Panhandle today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Miami, Texas and II-III in Borger, Skellytown, Pampa, Perryton, Groom, Amarillo, and possibly as far as Axtell, Nebraska.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in at
least 30 years. The only earthquake in this area of larger magnitude in the
past 50 years was an M 4.5-4.6 on February 15, 1974. The strongest quake in this
area on record is an M 5.0 on July 30, 1925." (April 14, 2021)
This epicenter is at 22.4 degrees from the NEIC position of the epicenter
of the M 7.3 Chiapas earthquake (the 16th node is at22.5 degrees). Readers
are aware that a number of significant earthquakes in the past several days
have been occurring at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Chiapas, so the
distance of 22.5 degrees (node 16) or half of that is probably quite important
and this earthquake in Texas was likely promoted by energy from Chiapas.
This earthquake is also at the third node (120 degrees) from Mindanao, Philippines
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JUL2026 10:21:43 35.9N 101.0W ML=5.0 NEIC TEXAS PANHANDLE
The earthquake in Texas followed 51 minutes after an M 5.1 in the eastern Andreanof Islands,
Alaska. Several reflected P-phases were in the area of Texas from Alaska
at the time of the earthquake in Texas, but it is unlikely they triggered it.
This epicenter in Alaska is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Venezuela and
at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Chiapas and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 09:30:18 51.6N 173.6W ML=5.1 NEIC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA
O: 23JUL2026 06:51:06 51.6N 172.9W mb=4.6 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
An M 4.9 also occurred in the Kodiak Island area of Alaska today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II in Kodiak.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Chiapas and at 105 degrees
from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 22JUL2026 18:51:30 56.0N 153.2W ML=3.2 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
O: 22JUL2026 18:13:22 56.3N 153.5W Mw=4.8 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
A swarm of light earthquakes occurred in the Brawley area of Southern California
today. The largest of these at this writing was an M 3.6. NEIC reported
these were being felt with intensity up to III in Brawley and Imperial, California.
These events began within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight and may
have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near
this hour.
These events are occurring at the 13th node (27.6 degrees) from Chiapas
and at 104 degrees from South Island, New Zealand and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 08:49:11 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.4 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 08:49:11 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.4 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:14:20 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:31:48 32.9N 115.5W ML=3.6 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:16:27 33.0N 115.5W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 23JUL2026 07:15:41 33.2N 116.1W ML=2.4 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 22JUL2026 09:34:16 33.5N 116.5W ML=2.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Far-field triggering of earthquakes from Chiapas, Mexico, South Island New Zealand and Venezuela continued unabated
today. Most of the largest earthquakes of the day occurred at nodal distances
from Chiapas and had been expected in this sequence. In the previous issue of this
summary this had been discussed in part as:
"The strongest earthquakes since last report were both of M 5.6 and occurred
in Vancouver Island, Canada and in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge. A second
earthquake of M 5.2 about 1000 km north of the M 5.6 in the northern Atlantic
occurred later in the day. All of these earthquakes are at the eighth
node (45 degrees) from the Chiapas mainshock. A strong series of light shocks
also occurred in Antofagasta, Chile and in Bolivia today - these are also
at 45 degrees from Chiapas. Stress from the Chiapas mainshock may have
propagated east and west from the rupture leading to this pattern of
far-field seismicity with strong earthquakes to the east and west and
weaker events to the south and north. This activation at 45 degrees from
Chiapas (node 8) was repeated with a number of moderate earthquakes
at 90 degrees (also node 8 and node 4) in the areas of Kamchatka and
the Tonga/Fiji/Samoa/Kermadec region. Fourth nodal earthquakes also
were active around the Venezuela epicenters of M 7.5 in June 24. This
distance includes the Azores and Santiago, Chile where moderate quakes
were recorded today. The Azores are also at the sixth node from Chiapas
and could see enhanced seismicity in the next several days." (July 21, 2026)
This summary has been following the sequence of events at 45 degrees (node 8)
from Chiapas with interest over the past several days. In the previous
issue of this summary it was noted for instance:
"In particular the series referred to in the Antofagasta region of Chile
intensified today with two moderate earthquakes of M 4.2 and 4.1 at 45
degrees from the Chiapas mainshock. This sequence could intensify further
in the next several days and could include events in the region of M>=5.
Today's earthquakes in Antofagasta were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity III in Antofagasta.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Chile at Arica, Tarapaca, Iquique." (July 22, 2026)
This sequence climaxed today with an M 5.1 in Antofagasta, Chile and a second
event of M 5.1 south of this in Atacama, Chile. EMSC reported these events
were felt with moderate intensity in Calama, Chile.
These epicenters are respectively at 44.8 degrees and 46.9 degrees south
of the NEIC Chiapas epicenter and qualify as eighth nodal earthquakes (at 45 degrees).
These illustrate how nodality can be used to help forecast seismic activity.
O: 22JUL2026 11:12:51 22.2S 68.5W Mw=4.3 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 23JUL2026 01:56:01 23.1S 68.9W mb=4.7 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 22JUL2026 17:34:36 23.4S 68.5W Mw=5.1 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 22JUL2026 11:37:19 23.8S 68.3W mb=4.6 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 22JUL2026 09:34:23 27.8S 71.6W mb=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE ATACAMA, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the Central Mid-Atlantic was not felt.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 23JUL2026 06:29:57 8.5N 39.4W Mw=5.1 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 23JUL2026 06:30:12 10.0N 41.0W Mw=4.9 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The mainshock was extensively
discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
Followoing is a listing of aftershocks in the the Chiapas, Mexico area of M>=4
recorded since the last issue of this summary.
O: 22JUL2026 22:12:01 13.8N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 21:46:51 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 10:00:33 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 10:54:07 14.0N 92.8W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 09:47:39 14.1N 92.9W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 10:13:09 14.1N 93.6W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 11:39:34 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 20:53:23 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 21:17:02 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 21:52:40 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 00:29:21 14.1N 92.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 22JUL2026 08:19:49 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 09:53:05 14.2N 92.8W mb=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 17:03:30 14.2N 92.8W mb=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 06:47:20 14.2N 93.8W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 13:23:00 14.3N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 18:13:05 14.3N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 22:39:35 14.3N 94.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 10:24:53 14.4N 92.9W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 08:32:17 14.6N 93.2W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 23JUL2026 06:25:22 15.2N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 09:34:48 13.4N 92.7W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF THE COAST OF GUATEMALA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.2 in southern Idaho was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of southern Idaho in Bern, Montpelier.
O: 23JUL2026 03:12:46 42.4N 111.4W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 5.0 and M 4.2 in northern Sumatra, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Sumatra, Indonesia with IV in Medan, and Kuala Simpang, Aceh and II in Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur and Batu Gajah Perak.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Mueang Phuket, Thailand and in Malaysia at Ladang Seri Kundang and Putrajaya.
These earthquakes occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted
by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses.
Moderate quakes today also continued in the Kermadec Islands with M 4.9, 4.9, 5.0 and M 4.8.
They were not reported felt.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 22JUL2026 20:07:26 29.6S 177.0W mb=4.9 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
O: 22JUL2026 21:03:01 29.6S 177.8W mb=5.0 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
O: 22JUL2026 15:39:21 29.7S 177.2W mb=4.9 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
O: 22JUL2026 15:45:47 29.7S 177.0W mb=4.8 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
NEIC also reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Vanuatu was not felt.
This epicenter lies at 103 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 22JUL2026 21:42:49 14.8S 168.0E mb=4.9 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in the Gulf of California was not felt.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from New Zealand; at the eighth node (46 degrees) from Venezuela and at the 16th node (24 degrees) may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 23JUL2026 02:01:05 30.3N 113.7W ML=4.2 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in San Francisco, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of San Francisco, California with IV in Hayward and III in Oakland, San Leandro, Castro Valley.
O: 23JUL2026 00:52:11 37.7N 122.1W MD=2.7 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Redwood Valley.
O: 23JUL2026 00:30:37 39.4N 123.2W MD=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 22JUL2026 10:37:25 39.6N 123.4W MD=2.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Nevada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Silver Springs, Dayton, Yerington, Carson City and Gardnerville.
O: 22JUL2026 17:20:52 39.1N 119.0W Mw=3.5 EMSC NEVADA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Portugal was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Portugal in Evora, Arraiolos, Alvito, Cuba, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alcacer do Sal, Beja, Fronteira, Moura, Avis, Serpa, Setubal, Olivais, Prageal, Ramada, Charneca de Caparica, Fundao and Massama and up to 190 km from the epicenter.
This earthquake is near the antipode of the M 6.3 in New Zealand and at the
sixth node (60 degrees) from Venezuela and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 22JUL2026 00:22:04 38.5N 7.9W ML=3.7 EMSC PORTUGAL
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Santiago and Valparaiso.
O: 23JUL2026 07:48:51 32.6S 71.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Southern Peru was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Peru at Ciudad Satelite.
O: 23JUL2026 02:38:25 16.2S 72.7W mb=4.8 EMSC NEAR COAST OF SOUTHERN PERU
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Glan, General Santos.
O: 22JUL2026 09:47:19 5.7N 125.4E mb=4.9 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-23 00:00 UT 17.7N 123.5W 85 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
Hurricane Fausto (06E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 85 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 23 with gusts up to 95 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Fausto is near 18S 57E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is unlikely but possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
HURRICANE BERTHA (02L)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR BERTHA 2026-07-23 00:00 UT 30.3N 93.9W 50 kts Texas/Louisiana
TS Bertha (02L) continued today in the northern Gulf of America (Mexico) and is expected to make landfall near the Louisiana/Texas border early on July 23 with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the west and make a second landfall on the Texas coast later on July 23. Seismicity in Texas and Louisiana could be enhanced by this landfall event. The antipode of today's location of Hurricane Bertha is near 30S 86E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time. Landfall is expected in two days near New Orleans, Louisiana.
A tropical cyclone may be forming east of the northern Philippines. This system is currently located at 17N 128E with winds up to 35 kts. It is expected to track to the west passing south of Taiwan as a light typhoon around July 24-25. Some seismic enhancement in the northern Philippines and Taiwan is possible as this storm moves through the area. The antipode at 17S 52W is not a seismic area but as this system moves west the antipode will shift to an area of northern Chile and southern Peru and could trigger a moderate regional earthquakes at that time in that area.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 21, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0305 0315 0345 C5.0 (July 23, 2026) 1.0E-03 *
Southern Idaho M 3.2 03:13 UT
Papua M 4.0 03:04 UT
Mexico M 3.9 03:09 UT
9180 0620 0630 0700 M3.6 (July 22, 2026) 9.5E-03 *
Papua M 4.9 06:46 UT
Myanmar M 3.6 06:19 UT
9040 0002 0011 0015 C2.4 (July 22, 2026) 1.5E-03
Portugal M 3.7 00:22 UT
9090 0102 0106 0108 C2.6 (July 22, 2026) 8.8E-04
Nevada M 2.4 01:03 UT
9210 0314 0323 0332 C1.4 (July 22, 2026) 1.6E-03
Chiapas M 4.2 03:14 UT
9120 0332 0338 0345 C6.8 (July 22, 2026) 3.6E-03
Kuril M 4.6 03:45 UT
Chiapas M 4.4 03:48 UT
9290 1209 1218 1222 C3.0 (July 22, 2026) 1.5E-03
9330 1546 1553 1556 C3.4 (July 22, 2026) 1.2E-03
Kermadec Is. M 4.9 15:46 UT
9350 1842 1851 1854 C5.4 (July 22, 2026) 1.8E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active July 23 minor storms July 24 disturbed July 25. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 10% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 12, high: 26, mid-latitude: 11, time of max k: 10:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 6 Global Kp 3.33 0900-1200, July 22; Sunspot Number: 63; Radio Flux: 150
The highest Hp30 index today was 3.66 mid-UT day on July 22 and again from
08:00 - 09:00 on July 23, 2026. No geomagnetic storms were observed today.
July 22, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
Far-field triggering of earthquakes from Chiapas, Mexico, South Island New Zealand and Venezuela continued unabated
today. Most of the largest earthquakes of the day occurred at nodal distances
from Chiapas and had been expected in this sequence. In the previous issue of this
summary this had been discussed in part as:
"The strongest earthquakes since last report were both of M 5.6 and occurred
in Vancouver Island, Canada and in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge. A second
earthquake of M 5.2 about 1000 km north of the M 5.6 in the northern Atlantic
occurred later in the day. All of these earthquakes are at the eighth
node (45 degrees) from the Chiapas mainshock. A strong series of light shocks
also occurred in Antofagasta, Chile and in Bolivia today - these are also
at 45 degrees from Chiapas. Stress from the Chiapas mainshock may have
propagated east and west from the rupture leading to this pattern of
far-field seismicity with strong earthquakes to the east and west and
weaker events to the south and north. This activation at 45 degrees from
Chiapas (node 8) was repeated with a number of moderate earthquakes
at 90 degrees (also node 8 and node 4) in the areas of Kamchatka and
the Tonga/Fiji/Samoa/Kermadec region. Fourth nodal earthquakes also
were active around the Venezuela epicenters of M 7.5 in June 24. This
distance includes the Azores and Santiago, Chile where moderate quakes
were recorded today. The Azores are also at the sixth node from Chiapas
and could see enhanced seismicity in the next several days." (July 21, 2026)
In particular the series referred to in the Antofagasta region of Chile
intensified today with two moderate earthquakes of M 4.2 and 4.1 at 45
degrees from the Chiapas mainshock. This sequence could intensify further
in the next several days and could include events in the region of M>=5.
Today's earthquakes in Antofagasta were reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity III in Antofagasta.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Chile at Arica, Tarapaca, Iquique.
O: 21JUL2026 17:09:53 21.3S 69.1W MB=4.2 EMSC ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
O: 22JUL2026 01:48:45 23.5S 70.6W MW=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE
Eighth nodal earthquakes were not the only evidence of continuing far-field
triggering today. A pair of earthquakes off the coast of Oregon of M 4.6 and M 4.6
NEIC reported they were felt with intensity II in Coos Bay, Oregon and possibly in Crescent City, California.
These earthquakes are occurring at 104-105 degrees from the M 6.3 in
New Zealand; at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Venezuela and at the
ninth node (40 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico. The distance from New Zealand
is similar to the distance from that source in the past several days
to Vancouver, B.C. (M 5.6); Peru (M 5.6) and Chiapas, Mexico (M 7.3)
among others and is a distance discussed in previous issues of this summary
where enhanced seismcity is considered likely following major earthquakes.
The earthquakes off the coast of Oregon are the strongest within about
200 km of that volcanic zone since an M 5.5 on June 29, 2026. At the time
this summary noted:
"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.5 occurred off the coast of Oregon today.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Sutherlin, Oregon and II in Oregon
at Seaside, Eugene, Portland, Rockaway Beach, Williams and possibly in San Francisco, California and Friday Harbor, Washington.
The last earthquake of M>=5.5 within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an
M 6.0 on January 16, 2026. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.0 occurred today in the region off the coast of
Oregon. NEIC reported it was felt along the coast of Oregon with intensity IV in
Port Orford; III in Neskowin, Portland, Sherwood, Otis, Siletz, Seal Rock, Lake Oswego and Reedsport.
No tsunami was expected nor observed with this earthquake. The last earthquakes
off the coast of Oregon with M>=6 occurred as an M 6.0 on October 30, 2024 and an M 6.3 on October 29, 2019.
...
The last earthquakes within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=6 occurred
with M 6.3 on August 29, 2019 and M 6.2 on August 22, 2018. Only one other such
event has hit the area in the past 15 years - an M 6.0 on April 11, 2012.
At the time of the 2019 event this summary noted:
"This is the strongest earthquake off the coast of Oregon within about 250
km of this epicenter in more than 10 years - since an M 6.3 on January 10, 2008
and prior to that an M 6.3 on January 16, 2003. The only event in the region
with greater magnitude in the past 30 years was an M 6.9 on July 13, 1991." (August 29, 2019)
More recently on September 2, 2024 this summary reviewed recent seismicity in the area as:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.2 off the coast of Oregon.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 4.2 off the coast of Oregon was felt with intensity up to II in the area(s) of Oregon in Portland.
This area has been relatively quiet in recent months. The last earthquake
of M>=4.2 occurred on May 4, 2024 with M 4.3. The last of significantly larger
magnitude was an M 5.7 on March 27, 2024...." (January 16, 2026)
Today's event may be related to volcanism in the area off Oregon. The timing
however suggests tidal triggering from the full moon of June 29, 2026 combined
with energy related to the earthquakes in Venezuela of June 24. This epicenter
lies at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the quakes in Venezuela, similar
to an M 5.8 in Iceland yesterday. Far-field triggering at the third and sixth
nodes from Venezuela has been prominent in recent days as discussed
in previous issues of this summary." (June 29, 2026)
O: 22JUL2026 05:09:52 43.2N 127.7W MB=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 21JUL2026 18:32:56 43.4N 127.1W Mw=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
O: 21JUL2026 18:44:52 43.5N 127.0W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
An earthquake of M 5.3 occurred in the Azores Islands, Portugal today.
The last earthquake recorded in the Azores within about 200 km of today's
epicenter with M>=5.3 was an M 5.3 on January 2, 2023 but the last of significantly
larger magnitude was an M 5.6 on August 20, 2017. At the time of the January, 2023
event this summary noted:
"The series of events of M 5.3, 4.7 and 4.7 which shook the Azores yesterday in the north
Atlantic continued today. The M 5.3 in the Azores is the strongest event within about 250
km of that epicenter since an M 5.3 on February 16, 2019. The last earthquake of significantly
larger magnitude in this area of the Azores was an M 5.6 on December 23, 2003.
Today's M 5.3 occurred at the end of a C7 class solar flare and may have been promoted
by energy associated with SFE from that flare. Forecasts 149416 and 149696
had expected enhanced seismicity within about 50 km of these epicenters
between December 29, 2022 and January 2, 2003. ..." (January 2, 2023)
"The Azores are also at the sixth node from Chiapas
and could see enhanced seismicity in the next several days." (July 21, 2026)
Today's event in the Azores occurred at 60.1 (node 6) degrees from Chiapas and at 45.0
degrees from Venezuela (node 8) and further illustrates recent nodal triggering
at the eighth node.
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The mainshock was extensively
discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
Following is a listing of aftershocks of M>=4 in Chiapas since last report.
The strongest of M 4.6 occurred near local solar midnight while two events
of M 4.2 occurred within minutes of local solar noon suggesting sub-solar
conditions at this epicenter (see discussion in previous issues of this
summary) continued to enhance aftershocks magnitudes at this time.
O: 21JUL2026 22:39:49 13.4N 93.0W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 01:31:39 15.3N 94.7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:21:23 13.8N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:01:48 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 16:13:15 13.9N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 04:31:25 13.9N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:43:26 14.0N 92.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 18:36:22 14.0N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 22:08:42 14.0N 93.5W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 05:25:03 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 12:42:32 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 14:59:02 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 21:39:29 14.1N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 06:43:12 14.2N 93.0W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:10:00 14.2N 92.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 15:21:21 14.4N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 03:48:30 14.4N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 18:27:02 14.5N 92.8W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 10:50:58 14.8N 94.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 22JUL2026 03:14:51 14.9N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 12:31:17 15.0N 93.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.0 in southern Idaho was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of southern Idaho in Bern, Montpelier and in Tahyne, Wyoming.
O: 22JUL2026 06:09:13 42.4N 111.4W ML=2.9 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 22JUL2026 06:09:13 42.4N 111.4W ML=3.0 NEIC SOUTHERN IDAHO
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 5.0 and M 4.2 in northern Sumatra, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Sumatra, Indonesia with IV in Medan, and Kuala Simpang, Aceh and II in Malaysia at Kuala Lumpur and Batu Gajah Perak.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Mueang Phuket, Thailand and in Malaysia at Ladang Seri Kundang and Putrajaya.
These earthquakes occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted
by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses.
O: 22JUL2026 04:18:22 4.2N 97.5E MW=5.0 EMSC NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
O: 22JUL2026 04:26:53 4.3N 97.6E ML=4.2 EMSC NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in northern Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Chile in Tarapaca at Arica and Iquique and with IV in Tacna, Peru.
O: 22JUL2026 02:03:49 19.3S 70.1W MW=4.7 EMSC TARAPACA, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in San Jose and Buayan.
O: 21JUL2026 18:33:28 5.7N 125.4E MB=5.1 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an earthquake of M 5.6 in the Kermadec Islands where it was not reported felt.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 21JUL2026 12:14:33 29.5S 176.9W MW=5.6 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
NEIC also reported earthquakes of M 4.4 and M 4.8 in Vanuatu were not felt.
These epicenters lie at 103 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 21JUL2026 15:29:12 18.9S 169.3E MB=4.4 EMSC VANUATU
O: 21JUL2026 22:33:01 17.9S 168.6E mb=4.8 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Yunnan, China may have been felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Simao, Yunnan, China.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from New Zealand and
at 145 degrees from Venezuela and may have been promoted by energy from those
sources.
O: 21JUL2026 11:43:09 23.2N 101.5E MB=4.9 EMSC YUNNAN, CHINA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Guam was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guam in Piti and Tamuning.
O: 21JUL2026 11:09:46 12.9N 144.3E MB=5.0 EMSC GUAM REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in the Gulf of California was not felt.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 21JUL2026 22:43:44 30.7N 114.3W ML=3.4 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Portugal was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Portugal in Evora, Arraiolos, Alvito, Cuba, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Alcacer do Sal, Beja, Fronteira, Moura, Avis, Serpa, Setubal, Olivais, Prageal, Ramada, Charneca de Caparica, Fundao and Massama and up to 190 km from the epicenter.
This earthquake is near the antipode of the M 6.3 in New Zealand and at the
sixth node (60 degrees) from Venezuela and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 22JUL2026 00:22:04 38.5N 7.9W ML=3.7 EMSC PORTUGAL
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
HURRICANE FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
HURR FAUSTO 2026-07-22 00:00 UT 16.5N 120.0W 85 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Fausto (06E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 85 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 23 with gusts up to 115 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Fausto is near 16S 60E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is unlikely but possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA (02L)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS BERTHA 2026-07-22 00:00 UT 29.3N 87.9W 50 kts South of Florida
TS Bertha (02L) continued today south of Florida (US) in the northern Gulf of America (Mexico) with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Bertha is near 29S 92E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time. Landfall is expected in two days near New Orleans, Louisiana.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 21, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0620 0630 0700 M3.7 (July 22, 2026) 3.7E-03
Papua M 4.9 06:46 UT
Myanmar M 3.606:19 UT
8670 0015 0020 0025 C2.4 (July 21, 2026) 1.4E-03
Fiji M 4.6 00:25 UT
8690 0038 0051 0101 C6.5 (July 21, 2026) 6.1E-03
Nevada M 2.7 0:40 UT
Chiapas M 4.2 00:48 UT
Northern Mid-Atlantic M 5.2 01:03 UT
8700 0120 0129 0148 C2.6 (July 21, 2026) 5.0E-03
Nevada M 2.8 01:23 UT
8720 0148 0158 0200 C2.5 (July 21, 2026) 2.2E-03
nshu M 4.0 14:55 UT
8730 0347 0405 0413 C4.3 (July 21, 2026) 4.6E-03
Nevada M 2.1 03:48 UT
Leyte M 4.0 03:56 UT
8780 0935 0956 1005 C7.7 (July 21, 2026) 9.2E-03
Chiapas M 4.2 09:43 UT
8800 1136 1142 1152 C4.0 (July 21, 2026) 3.3E-03
Yunnan M 4.9 11:43 UT
Flores Sea M 4.5 11:47 UT
8850 1403 1414 1416 C5.1 (July 21, 2026) 2.8E-03
8890 1431 1438 1443 C3.1 (July 21, 2026) 3.0E-03
8950 1443 1457 1509 C3.4 (July 21, 2026) 5.4E-03
Argentina M 4.3 14:55 UT
Honshu M 4.0 14:55 UT
Chiapas M 4.1 14:59 UT
8910 1605 1608 1610 C5.1 (July 21, 2026) 1.7E-03
Chiapas M 4.1 16:13 UT
8920 1702 1707 1714 C3.3 (July 21, 2026) 2.4E-03
Antofagasta M 4.2 17:09 UT
Drake Passage M 4.8 17:21 UT
8930 1716 1727 1730 M1.9 (July 21, 2026) 8.8E-03
Drake Passage M 4.8 17:21 UT
8960 1916 1924 1926 C2.9 (July 21, 2026) 1.8E-03
Loyalty Is. M 4.8 19:29 UT
New South Wales M 2.8 19:31 UT
8970 2027 2033 2039 C3.1 (July 21, 2026) 2.2E-03
Mindanao M 3.3 20:33 UT
8990 2203 2212 2220 C1.5 (July 21, 2026) 1.6E-03
Chiapas M 4.0 22:08 UT
Myanmar M 4.0 22:16 UT
9020 2231 2240 2245 C2.0 (July 21, 2026) 1.5E-03
Vanuatu M 4.8 22:33 UT
Chiapas M 4.4 22:40 UT
Gulf of California M 3.4 22:43 UT
9030 2251 2255 2259 C2.4 (July 21, 2026) 1.1E-03
Nepal M 4.0 22:55 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: minor storms July 22 active July 23-24. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 10% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 14, high: 23, mid-latitude: 14, time of max k: 10:00-13:00 UT; Max k: 5 Global Kp 3.67 0900-1200, July 21; Sunspot Number: 88; Radio Flux: 149
A moderate geomagnetic storm commenced early on UT July 21 and continued sporatically
through the remainder of July 21, 2026 (UT). This
reached Kp levels of 5 mid-day on UT Juky 21. It could help promote seismicity in areas
which are sub-solar at the time of commencement - which was about 12:00 UT. GOES-18 magnetometer recorded
a strong excursion in the intensity of the geomagnetic file at that satellite
starting about 18:45 30 on July 21. An arcjet maneuver was performed and
normal operations resumed by 20:17 UT. An M 4.6 occurred off the coast of
Oregon at the start of the geomagnetic excursion near the longitude of
the geo-stationary GOES 18 satellite (at 137W longitude) and may have been
triggered by it.
July 21, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The strongest earthquakes since last report were both of M 5.6 and occurred
in Vancouver Island, Canada and in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge. A second
earthquake of M 5.2 about 1000 km north of the M 5.6 in the northern Atlantic
occurred later in the day. All of these earthquakes are at the eighth
node (45 degrees) from the Chiapas mainshock. A strong series of light shocks
also occurred in Antofagasta, Chile and in Bolivia today - these are also
at 45 degrees from Chiapas. Stress from the Chiapas mainshock may have
propagated east and west from the rupture leading to this pattern of
far-field seismicity with strong earthquakes to the east and west and
weaker events to the south and north. This activation at 45 degrees from
Chiapas (node 8) was repeated with a number of moderate earthquakes
at 90 degrees (also node 8 and node 4) in the areas of Kamchatka and
the Tonga/Fiji/Samoa/Kermadec region. Fourth nodal earthquakes also
were active around the Venezuela epicenters of M 7.5 in June 24. This
distance includes the Azores and Santiago, Chile where moderate quakes
were recorded today. The Azores are also at the sixth node from Chiapas
and could see enhanced seismicity in the next several days.
One of the strongest earthquake of the day was an M 5.6 in the Vancouver Island area of Canada.
NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in British Columbia, Canada at Port MacNeill and lesser intensity in Victoria and Port Hardy.
The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter near Vancouver
Island with M>=5.6 occurred as an M 6.4 on July 11, 2024.
This epicenter is at 109 degrees from the M 6.3 in New Zealand two days ago
and joins a number of other expected events at this distance range from
New Zealand including the M 7.3 in Chiapas, Mexico and the M 5.5 in Central
Peru (see previous issues of this summary for details). When the earthquake
in New Zealand occurred this summary noted this possibility as:
"Today's earthquake map on this website shows nodal areas where likely seismic enhancement may
occur following the event in New Zealand. The distance at 103 degrees
is notable as it passes through active areas of California, Mexico and Peru
among others. It is likely that enhanced seismicity in those areas will
continue following today's event in New Zealand." (July 17, 2026)
It appears that today's earthquake in Vancouver may be third in this triad
of events (noted as possibly in California) in the forecast above.
At the time of the M 6.4 of July 11, 2024 this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.4 in the series in Vancouver
Island, British Columbia which began July 4, 2024. NEIC reported it was lightly
felt with moderate intensity up to IV in Tofino, Canada. EMSC reported light
shaking in Chilliwack, Canada. Several moderate aftershocks - including
an M 5.4 - were also felt in this region. This summary has extensively
covered this swarm in previous issues as in the last summary which noted:
"This epicenter (in Mindanao, Philippines) is near 100 degrees from the M 6.7 yesterday south of Africa and at the
same distance from the continuing swarm of earthquakes in the Vancouver Island
area of British Columbia, Canada. With an earthquake at this depth these
areas are at the shadow zone boundary for S- and P-waves (normally 102-103 degrees
distance for earthquakes that occur near the surface. Thus the event today
in Mindanao is considered a triggered earthquake from the M 6.7 South of Africa
yesterday. Further activity (perhaps) a strong earthquake in Vancouver is
also likely at this time due to the concentration of energy from the area
south of Africa. A further complication perhaps leading to additional
enhancement in Vancouver, B.C. is the track of Hurricane Beryl. The remnants
Hurricane Beryl is now located over the northeastern U.S. where it has dropped
large reserves of water over the past two days. This summary has long been
a proponent of the theory that effects of strong meteorological events
(nor'easters and hurricanes, for example) affecting the Northeast U.S.
can trigger strong earthquakes on the Pacific-North American plate boundary
in particular from California north to Alaska. ..." (July 11, 2024)
In addition to being at 109 degrees from New Zealand, and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Honshu, Japan this epicenter in Vancouver
is at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and had been
identified in the far-field forecast from Chiapas in this summary as possible at:
"Node 8 (45 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Vancouver," (July 17-18, 2026)
O: 20JUL2026 06:41:31 49.5N 129.2W MW=5.6 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
An M 5.6 also occurred today in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not
reported felt in this remote oceanic epicentral area. It was followed about five
hours later by an M 5.2 about 1000 km to the north in the northern mid-Atlantic Ridge
system. Both of these earthquakes, like the event in Vancouver (see above) are
located at 45-46 degrees (node 8) from Chiapas.
The southern of these events occurred at the same latitude (14.5 north latitude)
as the mainshock in Chiapas and near local solar noon. As with the Chiapas
mainshock this can be considered a sub-solar earthquake and may have
been promoted by sub-solar tidal enhancement. The last earthquake within about
200 km of today's event in the North Atlantic with M>=5.6 was an M 5.7 on October 20, 2016.
At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6-5.7 in the northern
Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not reported felt in this remote area. The epicener
is directly east of a similar M 5.6 in the Dominica which occurred yesterday
and was reported in the previous issue of this summary. Similar stresses which
helped promote the Dominica quake, along with motions associated with the
Dominica event, probably helped promote today's earthquake. These include
tidal stresses, geomagnetic stresses and stresses from recent hurricanes in
the area. The last earthquake of M>=5.7 within about 200 km of this epicenter occurred
as an M 6.0 on October 1, 1998. Most earthquakes within about 300 km of thie
epicenter with M>5.5 occur during hurricane season. Of 10 such events in the
past 25 years, nine have occurred between September and early December with
only one outside hurricane season - an M 5.6 on February 18, 2000." (October 20, 2015)
and
"The largest earthquake of the day was an M 6.0 on the northern mid-Atlantic
Ridge. This is a remote area and this earthquake was not reported felt in
the region. This is the area where several tropical storms have begun this
year but have dissipated before moving along the normal track to North America.
Earthquake of this magnitude are rare in this area. Only one other event of
M>=6 has hit within 300 km of this epicenter in the past 25 years - an M 6.0
about 100 km south of this epicenter on October 1, 1998." (September 5, 2013)
O: 20JUL2026 21:28:30 14.5N 45.0W MW=5.6 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 21JUL2026 01:03:35 25.9N 45.1W MW=5.2 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday but the series declined
considerably in intensity over the day. The mainshock was extensively
discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time.
One of the stronger aftershocks today in Chiapas was an M 4.6 near local solar
midnight on July 21. This appears to continue previous exceptional aftershocks
at local noon and midnight and may have been promoted by tidal and/or
geomagnetic stresses.
These epicenters in Chiapas, Mexico are located at 105-106 degrees from
the M 6.3 in New Zealand and the M 7+ in northern Honshu and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources (see above).
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the past 24 hours in the area of eastern Mexico and Guatemala
with M>=4.0. This is an active aftershock sequence and is expected to continue
to decline but remain active for several more days.
O: 20JUL2026 21:56:53 13.6N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 12:34:56 13.7N 93.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 14:13:18 13.8N 93.0W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:21:23 13.8N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 13:36:37 13.9N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:01:48 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 10:24:56 14.0N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 10:28:25 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 21:20:50 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 23:17:25 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 02:40:59 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:43:27 14.0N 92.7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 08:14:45 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 09:36:59 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 10:07:21 14.1N 93.5W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 20:41:53 14.1N 93.5W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 06:40:48 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 07:41:28 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 11:10:48 14.2N 92.8W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 15:14:55 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 20:12:54 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 20:53:28 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 22:37:34 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 22:58:22 14.2N 93.3W ML=3.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 23:02:18 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 00:48:23 14.2N 93.1W mb=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 06:43:12 14.2N 93.0W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 09:10:00 14.2N 92.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 09:21:30 14.3N 93.1W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 07:19:44 14.4N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 10:53:53 14.4N 92.5W mb=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 21JUL2026 05:06:51 14.4N 93.0W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 14:49:28 14.5N 93.0W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
The series of moderate earthquakes in northern and western Iran continued
today. Today's events included an M 5.2 and an M 4.9 in the Javanrud area of western Iran.
NEIC reported they were felt with moderate intensity III in Bakhtaran, Kermanshah and Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Iran at Tazehabad, Kermanshah, Kahriz, Sonqor, As Sulaymaniyah, Hamadan, Bukan, Marivan, Kabudarahang and in Derbendixan and Khanaqin, Iraq.
The M 5.2 is the strongest in western Iran within about 200 km of today's
epicenter since an M 5.3 on June 6, 2021. The last event of significantly larger magnitude
in this area was an M 6.0 (and aftershocks) on August 25, 2018 and an M 5.9
on July 22, 2018 eight years ago. At the time this summary noted:
Strongest seismicity today also continued in Iran. Events occurred
at three separate epicenters with moderate to large events and included an M 5.9, an M 5.5 and M 5.4. An event of M 5.5 in southern Iran was reported felt with intensity V in Kerman, and II-III in Bahramabad and Giroft, Kerman, Iran and possibly in Irbil, Iraq.
Strong earthquakes in this area can help promote higher magnitudes of quake
in the San Andreas/Central California area because wavefronts from Iran are
parallel to this fault zone when they arrive in the area of California.
Much of this activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from Hawaii and may
have been promoted by energy from that area.
The earthquake in western Iran of M 5.9 was reported with intensity VIII in Kermanshah and VI in Halubah and Javanrud and Aslamabad. Intensity V shook Kordestan with lesser shaking in Ilam, Diyala, Iran. It was also felt in Iraq with intensity II-IV at Kirkuk, Balad and other communities within about 300 km of the epicenter.
Some damage was incurred in the epicentral zone in western Iran in the Kermanshah area.
This is the largest earthquake in western Iran within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 7.3 on November 12, 2107 and is probably the strongest aftershock to date of that event. The only
other activity in the region since 1990 with M>=5.9 occurred on August 8, 2014 with M 6.0 and 6.2 about 250 km to the southwest of today's epicenter." (July 22, 2018)
Today's series began yesterday and was reported in the previous issue of this
summary as:
"A series of moderate earthquakes were recorded in northern and western Iran
today. EMSC reported they woke people in Iran at Ahvaz and Dezful. These are in areas where bombing in the current hostilities in that
area is currently active. An M 4.8 and M 4.9 in western Iran and M 4.2 near
Tehran in northern Iran are in seismic areas and could have been promoted
by instabilities related to shaking from the current war in the area. More
such activity is therefore likely until the current waves of bombing cease.
The most likely continuing seismicity will be in western Iraq as these
epicenters are at 120.0 degrees from Chiapas (node 3) and at 105 degrees
from Venezuela and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
The earthquake in northern Iran is also at 120 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico.
O: 19JUL2026 02:25:22 32.3N 47.4E MB=4.8 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
O: 19JUL2026 02:25:20 32.5N 48.6E MW=4.9 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
O: 19JUL2026 05:38:13 37.2N 54.0E MB=4.2 EMSC NEAR THE COAST OF NORTHERN" (July 19, 2026)
Today's epicenters are located at 103 degrees from Venezuela and near the third node from
Chiapas, Mexico and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 20JUL2026 03:48:50 34.5N 46.4E MW=5.2 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
O: 20JUL2026 03:43:18 34.6N 46.4E Mw=4.9 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.1 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska near Sterling.
O: 21JUL2026 04:14:43 60.7N 150.3W ML=3.1 EMSC KENAI PENINSULA, ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.0 in Hawaii was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Pahala.
O: 21JUL2026 03:06:03 19.2N 155.5W ML=3.0 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.1 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Anchorage and Eagle River.
O: 21JUL2026 01:21:24 61.2N 150.4W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Samoa was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Samoa near Gataivai.
This is the strongest of a series of moderate quakes in the region today
which are located near 106 degrees from Venezuela and at the fourth node
(90 degrees) from Chiapas. Other regional events occurred with M 4.8 in
Vanuatu (103 degrees from Chiapas), M 4.9 in Tonga (node 4 from Chiapas);
South of Fiji with M 4.6 (90 degrees from Chiapas).
The earthquake in Samoa occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar
noon and the M 4.6 south of Fiji was also a local solar noon earthquake.
These were likely promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize
near this hour.
O: 20JUL2026 23:37:57 14.9S 172.9W MB=5.0 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS
O: 20JUL2026 12:53:49 14.6S 167.4E MB=4.8 EMSC VANUATU
O: 21JUL2026 00:25:28 23.7S 177.3W MB=4.6 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
O: 20JUL2026 21:11:36 19.7S 174.9W MB=4.9 EMSC TONGA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Guangxi, China was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guangxi, China in Nanning and Pumiao.
This epicenter is at 146 degrees from Venezuela and may have been promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 20JUL2026 14:40:50 22.5N 107.8E MB=4.2 EMSC GUANGXI, CHINA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of North Island, New Zealand near Hicks Bay.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may
have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses.
O: 20JUL2026 12:15:23 36.8S 178.2E MB=4.1 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 5.2 and M 4.8 in Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela in Grenada at Saint Davids, Saint George's and in Trinidad and Tobago at Tunapuna and Port of Spain and possibly in Chacao, Miranda, Venezuela.
The larger of these at M 5.2 was felt in Trinidad and Tobago at Chaguanas, Mucurapo Diego Martin, Port of Spain, Scarborough, Tunapuna, Sangre Grande and in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at Biabou Charlotte.
It is located at 30.0 degrees (node 12) from Chiapas and was probably
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 20JUL2026 09:45:01 11.3N 60.6W MW=5.2 EMSC TOBAGO, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
O: 20JUL2026 10:54:57 10.7N 62.2W mb=4.8 EMSC SUCRE, VENEZUELA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Cartagena, Vina del Mar, Lo Prado, Santiago.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may
have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (51.4 degrees) from Chiapas and may
have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 21JUL2026 04:28:28 33.3S 72.2W ML=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M in was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
TROPICAL STORM FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS FAUSTO 2026-07-21 00:00 UT 15.3N 117.5W 80 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Fausto (06E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 80 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 23 with gusts up to 115 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Fausto is near 15S 63E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is unlikely but possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA (02L)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS BERTHA 2026-07-21 00:00 UT 28.5N 86.0W 45 kts South of Florida
TS Bertha (02L) formed today south of Florida (US) in the northern Gulf of America (Mexico) with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Bertha is near 29S 94E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time. Landfall is expected in two days near New Orleans, Louisiana.
TROPICAL STORM ELIDA (05E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS ELIDA 2026-07-21 00:00 UT 25.6N 127.1W 50 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Elida (05E) continued today west of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the north over the next days dissipating over the Pacific but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Elida is near 26S 53E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is unlikely at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 20, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
8400 0739 0746 0755 C2.1 (July 20, 2026) 1.8E-03
Chiapas M 4.1 07:41 UT
Oaxaca M 4.0 07:58 UT
8410 0834 0840 0845 C1.7 (July 20, 2026) 1.2E-03
Arkansas M 2.6 08:40 UT
Valparaiso M 4.0 08:29 UT
8480 1208 1215 1218 C1.6 (July 20, 2026) 9.6E-04
North Is. New Zealand M 4.1 12:15 UT
8490 1220 1240 1256 C2.9 (July 20, 2026) 5.2E-03
Chiapas M 4.3 12:35 UT
Vanuatu M 4.8 12:53 UT
8510 1429 1436 1440 M2.5 (July 20, 2026) 8.0E-03
Antofagasta M 2.8 14:30 UT
Andreanof Is. M 4.9 14:37 UT
Guangxi, China 14:40 UT
8560 1516 1520 1525 C7.1 (July 20, 2026) 3.0E-03
Chiapas M 4.2 15:15 UT
8580 1712 1717 1728 C3.2 (July 20, 2026) 2.6E-03
Andreanof Is. M 3.4 17:11 UT
8590 1907 1920 1926 M1.1 (July 20, 2026) 5.7E-03
Papua M 4.6 19:07 UT
Mariana Is. M 4.9 19:14 UT
Kamchatka M 4.3, 4.1 19:19, 19:23 UT
El Salvador M 4.3 19:34 UT
8610 2127 2141 2157 C2.9 (July 20, 2026) 3.7E-03 *
North Atlantic M 5.6 21:29 UT
Antofagasta M 2.5 21:43 UT
Chiapas M 4.0 21:56 UT
8620 2215 2225 2231 M3.4 (July 20, 2026) 1.7E-02
Chiapas M 4.2 22:37 UT
Antofagasta M 2.7 22:24 UT
8640 2317 2324 2333 C7.6 (July 20, 2026) 5.4E-03
Chiapas M 4.2 23:17 UT
Hokkaido M 4.0 23:18 UT
Samoa M 5.0 23:37 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled July 21 minor storms July 22 active July 23. Solar M-flare chance: 40% X-class: 5% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 4, high: 2, mid-latitude: 4, time of max k: 16:00-21:00 UT; Max k: 2 Global Kp 1.33 2200-2400, July 20; Sunspot Number: 74; Radio Flux: 137
A moderate geomagnetic storm is expected to commence early on UT July 21. This
is likely to reach Kp levels of 5. It could help promote seismicity in areas
which are sub-solar at the time of commencement. A series of M-class solar
flares occurred today. These are the first M-class flares since an M1.1 on July 12, 2026 (#7440).
Flare 8620 today (M 3.5) is the strongest solar flare since an M 4.0 on July 7, 2026 (#6430).
GOES Magnetometers showed strong fluctuations in geomagnetic field starting
with a pulse peaking about 00:00 on July 21, 2026 in both GOES-18 and GOES-19
instruments. This may signal the beginning of the geomagnetic storm and
would suggest areas near the IDL and Greenwich Meridian may see enhanced
seismicity at this time. Hp30 indicies indicate the beginning of the storm
with Hp30 index reaching 3.33 around 03:00-03:30 UT but a stronger storm
starting about 08:45 through 11:30 UT on July 21 reaching Kp of 4.
July 20, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 5.6 in the Vancouver Island area of Canada.
NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in British Columbia, Canada at Port MacNeill and lesser intensity in Victoria and Port Hardy.
The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter near Vancouver
Island with M>=5.6 occurred as an M 6.4 on July 11, 2024.
This epicenter is at 109 degrees from the M 6.3 in New Zealand two days ago
and joins a number of other expected events at this distance range from
New Zealand including the M 7.3 in Chiapas, Mexico and the M 5.5 in Central
Peru (see previous issues of this summary for details). When the earthquake
in New Zealand occurred this summary noted this possibility as:
"Today's earthquake map on this website shows nodal areas where likely seismic enhancement may
occur following the event in New Zealand. The distance at 103 degrees
is notable as it passes through active areas of California, Mexico and Peru
among others. It is likely that enhanced seismicity in those areas will
continue following today's event in New Zealand." (July 17, 2026)
It appears that today's earthquake in Vancouver may be third in this triad
of events (noted as possibly in California) in the forecast above.
At the time of the M 6.4 of July 11, 2024 this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.4 in the series in Vancouver
Island, British Columbia which began July 4, 2024. NEIC reported it was lightly
felt with moderate intensity up to IV in Tofino, Canada. EMSC reported light
shaking in Chilliwack, Canada. Several moderate aftershocks - including
an M 5.4 - were also felt in this region. This summary has extensively
covered this swarm in previous issues as in the last summary which noted:
"This epicenter (in Mindanao, Philippines) is near 100 degrees from the M 6.7 yesterday south of Africa and at the
same distance from the continuing swarm of earthquakes in the Vancouver Island
area of British Columbia, Canada. With an earthquake at this depth these
areas are at the shadow zone boundary for S- and P-waves (normally 102-103 degrees
distance for earthquakes that occur near the surface. Thus the event today
in Mindanao is considered a triggered earthquake from the M 6.7 South of Africa
yesterday. Further activity (perhaps) a strong earthquake in Vancouver is
also likely at this time due to the concentration of energy from the area
south of Africa. A further complication perhaps leading to additional
enhancement in Vancouver, B.C. is the track of Hurricane Beryl. The remnants
Hurricane Beryl is now located over the northeastern U.S. where it has dropped
large reserves of water over the past two days. This summary has long been
a proponent of the theory that effects of strong meteorological events
(nor'easters and hurricanes, for example) affecting the Northeast U.S.
can trigger strong earthquakes on the Pacific-North American plate boundary
in particular from California north to Alaska. ..." (July 11, 2024)
In addition to being at 109 degrees from New Zealand, and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Honshu, Japan this epicenter in Vancouver
is at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and had been
identified in the far-field forecast from Chiapas in this summary as possible at:
"Node 8 (45 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Vancouver," (July 17-18, 2026)
O: 20JUL2026 06:41:31 49.5N 129.2W MW=5.6 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday. That earthquake was extensively
discussed in this summary in previous issues and readers are referred
to those issues for further details as presented at that time for example:
The strongest aftershock in Chiapas in the past 24 hours occurred as an M 5.5
within minutes of local solar noon and at the sub-solar latitude for July 20 making it a sub-solar earthquake. If this sounds familiar to regular
readers of this summary that may be because it is. This scenario was
discussed in the previous issue of this summary as:
"If the earthquake in Chiapas was promoted by strong tidal stresses associated
with the sub-solar conditions at the time of occurrence it is reasonable
to believe that these similar conditions near local solar noon in Chiapas,
Mexico are likely to generate the strongest aftershocks in the short term
This appears to be the case today. The strongest aftershock in the area since
the last issue of this summary occurred as an M 5.7 within minutes of
local solar noon in Chiapas and was probably promoted by vertical tidal stresses
which maximized at that time. This type of triggering may continue for
another day or two while the area is still unstable.
O: 18JUL2026 17:26:29 14.3N 92.8W Mw=5.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO " (July 19, 2026)
O: 19JUL2026 17:45:14 14.2N 92.9W Mw=5.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
These epicenters in Chiapas, Mexico are at 104-106 degrees from New Zealand and Honshu, Japan and at
the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have
been promoted by energy from these sources.
In particular, at 106 degrees from the Epicenter yesterday in South Island,
New Zealand this summary had anticipated this activity in Chiapas in previous
issues as for example in previous issues of this summary:
"Today's earthquake map on this website shows nodal areas where likely seismic enhancement may
occur following the event in New Zealand. The distance at 103 degrees
is notable as it passes through active areas of California, Mexico and Peru
among others. It is likely that enhanced seismicity in those areas will
continue following today's event in New Zealand." (July 17, 2026)
Note that Peru was included in this forecast summary two days ago.
Enhanced seismicity in the area at this time had also been anticipated in this summary
in earlier issues due to the sub-solar nature of this epicenter at this time - for example:
"Other seismic regions nearing sub-solar conditions in the next several days
include Guerrero and central Mexico and northern Philippines among others.
Moderate seismic enhancement in these areas is possible at this time due
to sub-solar stresses." (July 11, 2026)
Today's mainshock occurred near local solar noon and within about 1 degree
of the sub-solar latitude for July 18. The nature of sub-solar triggering
in Chiapas, Mexico had been elaborated on in this summary on July 14, 2023
when an M 6.3 near today's epicenter near the time of the new moon.
At the time it was noted in this summary.
These epicenters in Chiapas, Mexico are located at 105-106 degrees from
the M 6.3 in New Zealand and the M 7+ in northern Honshu and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources (see above).
Following is a listing of aftershocks in the past 24 hours in the area of eastern Mexico and Guatemala
with M>=4.0. This is an active aftershock sequence and is expected to continue
to decline but remain active for several more days.
O: 19JUL2026 22:57:33 13.5N 93.0W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 12:06:27 13.7N 93.1W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 19:53:37 13.7N 93.0W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 15:11:38 13.8N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 19:38:24 13.8N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 07:02:04 13.9N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 23:48:43 13.9N 93.1W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 08:10:05 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 09:53:47 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:18:27 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 16:01:38 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 16:31:59 14.0N 92.7W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 01:06:14 14.0N 93.5W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 07:20:23 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 09:01:36 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 09:05:03 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 13:33:31 14.1N 93.1W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 15:48:11 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 16:05:00 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 18:40:14 14.1N 93.1W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 21:15:36 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 22:11:15 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 03:50:22 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 04:00:17 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 08:55:22 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:03:24 14.2N 93.6W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:39:36 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 15:20:39 14.2N 92.7W ML=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 15:44:18 14.2N 92.7W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 17:45:14 14.2N 92.9W Mw=5.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 02:09:40 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 04:22:32 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 06:40:48 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 07:41:28 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 14:01:11 14.3N 93.2W mb=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 22:41:36 14.3N 93.2W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 00:32:08 14.3N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 07:19:44 14.4N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 08:51:23 14.5N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 20JUL2026 01:53:43 14.5N 93.2W Mw=4.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
The series of moderate earthquakes in northern and western Iran continued
today. Today's events included an M 5.2 and an M 4.9 in the Javanrud area of western Iran.
NEIC reported they were felt with moderate intensity III in Bakhtaran, Kermanshah and Ecbatana, Hamadan, Iran.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Iran at Tazehabad, Kermanshah, Kahriz, Sonqor, As Sulaymaniyah, Hamadan, Bukan, Marivan, Kabudarahang and in Derbendixan and Khanaqin, Iraq.
The M 5.2 is the strongest in western Iran within about 200 km of today's
epicenter since an M 5.3 on June 6, 2021. The last event of significantly larger magnitude
in this area was an M 6.0 (and aftershocks) on August 25, 2018 and an M 5.9
on July 22, 2018 eight years ago. At the time this summary noted:
The strongest seismicity in the world today continued in Iran. These occurred
at three separate epicenters with moderate to large events and included an M 5.9, an M 5.5 and M 5.4. An event of M 5.5 in southern Iran was reported felt with intensity V in Kerman, and II-III in Bahramabad and Giroft, Kerman, Iran and possibly in Irbil, Iraq.
Strong earthquakes in this area can help promote higher magnitudes of quake
in the San Andreas/Central California area because wavefronts from Iran are
parallel to this fault zone when they arrive in the area of California.
Much of this activity is at the third node (120 degrees) from Hawaii and may
have been promoted by energy from that area.
The earthquake in western Iran of M 5.9 was reported with intensity VIII in Kermanshah and VI in Halubah and Javanrud and Aslamabad. Intensity V shook Kordestan with lesser shaking in Ilam, Diyala, Iran. It was also felt in Iraq with intensity II-IV at Kirkuk, Balad and other communities within about 300 km of the epicenter.
Some damage was incurred in the epicentral zone in western Iran in the Kermanshah area.
This is the largest earthquake in western Iran within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 7.3 on November 12, 2107 and is probably the strongest aftershock to date of that event. The only
other activity in the region since 1990 with M>=5.9 occurred on August 8, 2014 with M 6.0 and 6.2 about 250 km to the southwest of today's epicenter." (July 22, 2018)
Today's series began yesterday and was reported in the previous issue of this
summary as:
"A series of moderate earthquakes were recorded in northern and western Iran
today. EMSC reported they woke people in Iran at Ahvaz and Dezful. These are in areas where bombing in the current hostilities in that
area is currently active. An M 4.8 and M 4.9 in western Iran and M 4.2 near
Tehran in northern Iran are in seismic areas and could have been promoted
by instabilities related to shaking from the current war in the area. More
such activity is therefore likely until the current waves of bombing cease.
The most likely continuing seismicity will be in western Iraq as these
epicenters are at 120.0 degrees from Chiapas (node 3) and at 105 degrees
from Venezuela and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
The earthquake in northern Iran is also at 120 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico.
O: 19JUL2026 02:25:22 32.3N 47.4E MB=4.8 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
O: 19JUL2026 02:25:20 32.5N 48.6E MW=4.9 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
O: 19JUL2026 05:38:13 37.2N 54.0E MB=4.2 EMSC NEAR THE COAST OF NORTHERN" (July 19, 2026)
Today's epicenters are located at 103 degrees from Venezuela and near the third node from
Chiapas, Mexico and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 20JUL2026 03:48:50 34.5N 46.4E MW=5.2 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
O: 20JUL2026 03:43:18 34.6N 46.4E Mw=4.9 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Colombia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Colombia in Bucaramanga, Santander.
EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in Colombia at Piedecuesta, Floridablanca, Bucaramanga, Abrego, San Rafael, Samana, Soacha.
O: 20JUL2026 01:44:15 6.8N 73.1W MB=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN COLOMBIA
EMSC reported a series of moderate earthquakes of M 4.7, 4.8, 4.0, 3.8 south of Java and northwest of Australia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Java at Bogor and Soreang, Terasa.
The M 3.8 was felt in Bali, Indonesia at Banjar Petuludesa. These events are located within several hundred km of the exact antipode
of the Venezuelan earthquakes of June 24, 2026 and were probably promoted
by antipodal energy concentration following those earthquakes in Venezuela.
O: 19JUL2026 08:11:03 7.7S 106.5E MB=4.8 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Afghanistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Afghanistan in Kabul.
This epicenter is near the third node (120 degrees) from Venezuela, New Zealand
and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference
from those sources.
O: 19JUL2026 22:58:43 36.2N 70.6E MB=4.5 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Kyrgyzstan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kyrgyzstan in Naryn, Kochkor, Chuy, Balykchy, Kant, Bishkek, Tyup and Otengen Batyra and in Kazakhstan at Chemolgan, Almaty, Burunday, Pervomayka, Talghar.
This epicenter is near the third node (120 degrees) from Venezuela, New Zealand
and Chiapas, Mexico and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference
from those sources.
O: 19JUL2026 20:41:04 41.7N 75.8E MW=4.1 EMSC KYRGYZSTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Vina del Mar.
O: 19JUL2026 14:45:29 32.5S 72.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
TROPICAL STORM FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS FAUSTO 2026-07-20 00:00 UT 12.3N 114.5W 50 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Fausto (06E) formed today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 22 with gusts up to 115 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Fausto is near 12S 66E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
TROPICAL STORM ELIDA (05E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS ELIDA 2026-07-20 00:00 UT 23.6N 126.5W 55 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Elida (05E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 55 kts. It is expected to track to the north over the next several days but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Elida is near 24S 54E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is likely at this time.
A tropical cyclone may be forming north of the Santa Cruz Islands in the south Pacific. This storm is currently at 5S 161E north of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 30 kts. It is not expected to significantly enhance regional seismicity at this time. The antipode is at 5N 19W - an area near the central mid-Atlantic Ridge where moderate seismic enhancement is possible if this storm intensifies to a Tropical Storm.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 19, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
8250 1825 1845 1848 C1.3 (July 19, 2026) 2.0E-03
Chiapas M 4.4 18:40 UT
So. Is. NZ M 3.7 18:34 UT
8260 1848 1911 1924 C1.8 (July 19, 2026) 3.8E-03
Kamchatka M 4.3 19:29 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: quiet July 19-20 active July 21. Solar M-flare chance: 15% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
A sharp decline in the intensity of the geomagntic field as measured on the GOES-18
magnetometer occurred starting about 06:00 UT on July 20, 2026 but an arcjet
maneuver was not required to correct the orbit of this satellite. GOES-18 is a geostationary
satellite stationed at 137 West longitude and is often sensitive to
geomagnetic changes near this longitude. This geomagnetic decline continued
to about 07:30 UT reaching the lowest field reading at 71 nT in the past four days.
The earthquake of M 5.6 in the Vancouver Island area (at 130W) occurred
during this geomagnetic excursion. The Kp and Hp30 indices did not exceed
2 in the past 24 hours.
AP Indicies: global: 4, high: 1, mid-latitude: 4, time of max k: 16:00-21:00 UT; Max k: 2 Global Kp 1.33 0600-0900, July 19; Sunspot Number: 44; Radio Flux: 119
July 19, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
An earthquake of M 5.5 in Peru hit the mountainous Junin region in Chupaca province, Peru.
NEIC reported moderate damage and intensity VII in Junin, Peru at Chupaca and Huancayo and VI in Sicaya with light shaking as far as Lima.
Immediate reports indicate at least 28 homes were destroyed with an additional
19 badly damaged. More than 300 people were displaced. The death toll from
this earthquake currently stands at an official count of 6 according to
early reports from Associated Press. Like the earthquake in Chiapas, Mexico
earlier (see below) in the day this epicenter is also at 100 degrees from the M 6.3 in
New Zealand the day before that. This earthquake occurred within a minute
of moderate earthquakes in western Iran (see below).
The last earthquake in Peru within about 200 km of today's epicenter with
M>=5.5 occurred on November 5, 2024. The last earthquake of significantly
larger magnitude in the region was an M 8.0 on August 15, 2007.
At the time of the November, 2024 event this summary noted:
"A moderately strong to strong earthquake occurred today with M 5.7 in the areas of
Central Peru. NEIC reported widely felt in Central and southern Peru with maximum intensity VI in Peru at Huancavelca, Huancayo, Nuevo Imperial, Lima; IV in Pampas; and II-III in Lircay, Chincha Alta, Acobamba, Santa Maria, Nicolas de Pierola, Arequipa, Ayacucuo, San Luis, Lima.
EMSC reported strong intensity shaking in Peru at Ica, Asia, Chorrillos, Barranco, San Isidro, and Lima.
This is the strongest earthquake in central Peru within about 250 km of this
epicenter since an M 5.9 on June 23, 2021. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.8 shook areas of central Peru today. It was reported by NEIC with intensity VII in Peru in Lima at Mala; VI in Chica, Micolas de Pereola, V in Nuevo Imperia, San Luis, Lima and IV in Santa Maria, Ricardo, Huancayo and Matucana.
This earthquake occurred within about an hour of local solar midnight and was probably
promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour. The area near
the coast of western South America is expected to see higher than normal seismicity
in the next week due to the timing of the upcoming full moon as noted in this summary:
...
Today's event in Peru is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 6.1 on March 15, 2014. An M 6.9 on August 24, 2014 occurred about 350 km
to the outheast on August 24, 2014. A great earthquake of M 8.0 hit this region on August 15, 2007.
That quake was extremely damaging in the area ..." (June 23, 2021)
A pair of earthquakes of M 5.7-5.9 also hit this region on October 28 and 29, 2022
about 260 km south of today's epicenter as reported in this summary at the time as:
"Two moderately strong earthquakes of M 5.6-5.9 hit off the coast of central Peru today.
The mainshock of M 5.9-6.0 was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity II-III in Ica. Peru at Ica and Pisco and in San Luis Lima Provincias, Peru with intensity II.
NEIC reported the M 5.8-5.9 aftershock was felt with intensity III in Ica Peru at Vista Alegre and Pisco.
A foreshock of to the second event of M 5.8 of M 5.3 was reported felt with intensity II in Ica, Peru.
Hours earlier a foreshock (M 4.9) to the entire sequence was felt with intensity
IV in Lima and III in San Luis, Peru. The Press reported light shaking and damage
in the coast of Central Peru area. The last earthquake within about 200 km of
these mainshocks in Peru with M>=5.9 occurred on March 15, 2014 with M 6.1." (October 29, 2024, November 5, 2024)
O: 19JUL2026 02:24:36 12.0S 75.3W MB=5.5 NEIC PERU
Aftershocks continued in the area of Chiapas, Mexico and Guatemala today
following the major M 7.3 earthquake yesterday. That earthquake was extensively
discussed in this summary in the previous issue and readers are referred
to that issue for further details as presented at that time for example:
"A major earthquake of M 7.3 occurred in the area south of Chiapas, Mexico today. It was followed
by a series of aftershocks including one of M 6.0. NEIC reported the mainshock was
felt with intensity VII in Quezaltenango, Guatemala at La Esperanza with moderate damage and V in Guatemala in Olintepeque, Palin, San Lucas, Quetzaltenango, Peten, Solola and in Mexico in Tapachula, Chiaspas and Oaxaca at Asuncion Ixtaltepec. Intensity IV was felt in Guerrero, Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Belize, and as far as 1000 km from the epicenter.
A moderate foreshock of M 4.7 occurred about an hour before the mainshock. NEIC
reported it was felt with intensity III in Guatemala, Chiapas, Mexico and San Salvador.
A stronger foreshock of M 5.0 occurred also at the epicenter of today's mainshock
on July 14, 2026 ..." (July 18, 2026)
and was reported in the summary at the time as:
These epicenters in Chiapas, Mexico are at 104-106 degrees from New Zealand and Honshu, Japan and at
the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have
been promoted by energy from these sources.
In particular, at 106 degrees from the Epicenter yesterday in South Island,
New Zealand this summary had anticipated this activity in Chiapas in previous
issues as for example in previous issues of this summary:
"Today's earthquake map on this website shows nodal areas where likely seismic enhancement may
occur following the event in New Zealand. The distance at 103 degrees
is notable as it passes through active areas of California, Mexico and Peru
among others. It is likely that enhanced seismicity in those areas will
continue following today's event in New Zealand." (July 17, 2026)
Note that Peru was included in this forecast summary two days ago.
Enhanced seismicity in the area at this time had also been anticipated in this summary
in earlier issues due to the sub-solar nature of this epicenter at this time - for example:
"Other seismic regions nearing sub-solar conditions in the next several days
include Guerrero and central Mexico and northern Philippines among others.
Moderate seismic enhancement in these areas is possible at this time due
to sub-solar stresses." (July 11, 2026)
Today's mainshock occurred near local solar noon and within about 1 degree
of the sub-solar latitude for July 18. The nature of sub-solar triggering
in Chiapas, Mexico had been elaborated on in this summary on July 14, 2023
when an M 6.3 near today's epicenter near the time of the new moon.
At the time it was noted in this summary.
If the earthquake in Chiapas was promoted by strong tidal stresses associated
with the sub-solar conditions at the time of occurrence it is reasonable
to believe that these similar conditions near local solar noon in Chiapas,
Mexico are likely to generate the strongest aftershocks in the short term
This appears to be the case today. The strongest aftershock in the area since
the last issue of this summary occurred as an M 5.7 within minutes of
local solar noon in Chiapas and was probably promoted by vertical tidal stresses
which maximized at that time. This type of triggering may continue for
another day or two while the area is still unstable.
O: 18JUL2026 17:26:29 14.3N 92.8W Mw=5.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
These epicenters in Chiapas, Mexico are located at 105-106 degrees from
the M 6.3 in New Zealand and the M 7+ in northern Honshu and were probably
promoted by energy from those sources (see above).
O: 18JUL2026 15:38:38 13.5N 92.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 18JUL2026 21:59:50 13.8N 92.6W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 18JUL2026 08:54:00 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:17:19 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 18:17:53 13.9N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 21:46:33 13.9N 93.1W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 07:02:04 13.9N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:55:10 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 10:32:16 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 10:47:19 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 11:30:14 14.0N 92.6W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 13:28:37 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 21:06:15 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 22:38:03 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 04:15:26 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 04:35:23 14.0N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 04:54:34 14.0N 93.6W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 08:10:05 14.0N 93.0W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 09:53:47 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:18:27 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 08:59:33 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:51:33 14.1N 92.5W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 18JUL2026 10:26:50 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 11:03:12 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 22:15:46 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 05:22:32 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 05:36:52 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 06:17:45 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 07:20:23 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 09:01:36 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 09:05:03 14.1N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:20:47 14.2N 93.0W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 10:35:25 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 11:13:38 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 11:49:20 14.2N 92.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 12:42:38 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 16:55:57 14.2N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 21:53:07 14.2N 93.3W ML=3.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 22:11:02 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 01:47:25 14.2N 92.9W Mw=5.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 08:55:22 14.2N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:03:24 14.2N 93.6W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:39:36 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:27:16 14.3N 93.5W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 11:22:43 14.3N 93.2W ML=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 17:26:29 14.3N 92.8W Mw=5.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 22:54:16 14.3N 93.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 01:03:53 14.3N 93.1W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 02:01:30 14.3N 92.9W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 02:18:56 14.3N 92.8W Mw=5.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 04:38:59 14.3N 92.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 05:03:17 14.3N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 10:14:59 14.3N 93.2W ML=3.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:46:19 14.4N 92.9W mb=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 21:35:29 14.4N 92.7W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 22:49:26 14.4N 93.3W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 23:38:01 14.4N 92.5W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:59:21 14.5N 92.9W Mw=5.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 17:01:33 14.5N 92.9W Mw=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 03:27:20 14.5N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 08:51:23 14.5N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 19JUL2026 00:33:50 14.7N 93.2W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:34:21 14.8N 92.9W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 11:57:20 15.2N 94.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 10:56:04 13.5N 90.7W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
A series of moderate earthquakes were recorded in northern and western Iran
today. EMSC reported they woke people in Iran at Ahvaz and Dezful. These are in areas where bombing in the current hostilities in that
area is currently active. An M 4.8 and M 4.9 in western Iran and M 4.2 near
Tehran in northern Iran are in seismic areas and could have been promoted
by instabilities related to shaking from the current war in the area. More
such activity is therefore likely until the current waves of bombing cease.
The most likely continuing seismicity will be in western Iraq as these
epicenters are at 120.0 degrees from Chiapas (node 3) and at 105 degrees
from Venezuela and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
The earthquake in northern Iran is also at 120 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico.
O: 19JUL2026 02:25:22 32.3N 47.4E MB=4.8 EMSC IRAN-IRAQ BORDER REGION
O: 19JUL2026 02:25:20 32.5N 48.6E MW=4.9 EMSC WESTERN IRAN
O: 19JUL2026 05:38:13 37.2N 54.0E MB=4.2 EMSC NEAR THE COAST OF NORTHERN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in the southern East Pacific Rise was not felt in this remote area.
This epicenter is at 45.0 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico (node 8) and near the
sixth node (60 degrees) from Venezuela and New Zealand and may have been
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 18JUL2026 11:12:57 24.4S 116.1W MW=4.9 NEIC SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Crete, Greece was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Crete, Greece
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Crete, Greece at Agioi Theodoroi, Irakleion, Nea Alikarnassos, Ano Arhanes, Stalis, Rethymno, Kalyves, Chania, Daratsos.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 09:04:09 35.7N 25.1E ML=4.3 EMSC CRETE, GREECE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 in Nevada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Amargosa Valley.
O: 18JUL2026 07:34:02 36.7N 116.3W ML=3.5 EMSC NEVADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge was not felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Chiapas and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 06:26:08 0.9S 21.5W MB=4.5 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3-4.7 in Kodiak, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Kodiak, Alaskan the area of Akhiok.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and
105 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from those
sources.
O: 18JUL2026 07:20:42 56.1N 153.3W MB=4.7 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9-3.1 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Kelseyville, Healdsburg, Geyserville and Middletown.
O: 19JUL2026 05:11:30 38.8N 122.8W ML=2.9 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 19JUL2026 05:11:30 38.8N 122.8W ML=3.1 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in the Scotia Sea south of South America was not felt in this remote area.
This is the strongest earthquake in the Scotia Sea within about 250 km
of this epicenter since an M 5.6 on November 28, 2019. An M 7.8 hit this
area on November 17, 2013. At the time this summary reported:
"After a series of foreshocks including events of M 6.1 and 6.8 over the past
three days, an major earthquake of M 7.3-7.8 hit the Scotia Sea early on
November 17. This event is almost certainly tidally triggered as it occurred
within hours of the full moon alignment at the longitude of strongest tidal effects. It
is the strongest earthquake ever to hit this region of the South Atlantic
near Antarctica." (November 17, 2013)
This epicenter in the Scotia Sea is at the fifth node from New Zealand
and Venezuela (72 degrees) and was probably promoted by constructive interference
of energy from those sources.
O: 18JUL2026 19:50:37 60.7S 51.0W MW=5.5 EMSC SCOTIA SEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the Cayman Islands, Caribbean was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Cayman Islands, Caribbean in West Bay and George Town, Grand Cayman.
This event occurred within about an hour of local solar noon and at a latitude
which was near subsolar on this date and was probably promoted by
tidal stresses associated with these subsolar conditions.
O: 18JUL2026 16:08:44 17.9N 81.6W MW=5.1 EMSC CAYMAN ISLANDS REGION
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Poland was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Poland in Polkowice and Jerzmanowa and Glogow.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 11:27:42 51.5N 16.1E MB=3.5 EMSC POLAND
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 2.3 in Santa Monica, California was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Santa Monica, California in Venice, Westwood, Culver City, and Marina del Rey.
O: 18JUL2026 07:35:02 34.0N 118.5W ML=2.3 EMSC SANTA MONICA BAY, CALIFORNIA
EMSC reported a series of moderate earthquakes of M 4.7, 4.8, 4.0, 3.8 south of Java and northwest of Australia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Java at Bogor and Soreang, Terasa.
The M 3.8 was felt in Bali, Indonesia at Banjar Petuludesa. These events are located within several hundred km of the exact antipode
of the Venezuelan earthquakes of June 24, 2026 and were probably promoted
by antipodal energy concentration following those earthquakes in Venezuela.
O: 18JUL2026 20:16:58 13.1S 113.4E ML=4.7 EMSC NORTHWEST OF AUSTRALIA
O: 19JUL2026 08:11:03 7.7S 106.5E MB=4.8 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 18JUL2026 15:46:05 10.8S 110.2E ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 19JUL2026 02:37:24 10.6S 112.6E ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Pakistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Pakistan in Quetta, Balochistan.
This epicenter is near the third node from New Zealand and Venezuela
and may have been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 18JUL2026 18:26:37 30.4N 67.5E MB=4.5 EMSC PAKISTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Tajikistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Tajikistan in Dushanbe.
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from Venezuela and New Zealand
and may have been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 18JUL2026 10:36:17 37.9N 72.6E MB=4.8 EMSC TAJIKISTAN
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
TROPICAL STORM FAUSTO (06E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS FAUSTO 2026-07-19 00:00 UT 12.3N 114.5W 50 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Fausto (06E) formed today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 50 kts. It is expected to track to the west over the next several days reaching hurricane force winds by July 22 with gusts up to 115 kts but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Fausto is near 12S 66E in the South Indian Ocean where some enhanced seismicity is possible as this storm moves to the west and intensifies.
TROPICAL STORM ELIDA (05E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS ELIDA 2026-07-19 00:00 UT 20.6N 124.5W 65 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Elida (05E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 65 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Elida is near 20S 56E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is likely at this time.
A tropical cyclone may be forming south of Mexico. This storm is currently at 11N 105W south of Michoacan, Mexico with winds up to 33 kts. It is not expected to significantly enhance regional seismicity at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 16, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
8050 0038 0120 0208 C2.2 (July 18, 2026) 1.0E-02
Wyoming M 2.6 00:39 UT
Sumatra M 4.5 00:50 UT
Chiapas M 5.1 01:49 UT
8080 0356 0405 0414 C2.3 (July 18, 2026) 1.9E-03
Ascension Is. M 4.8 04:07 UT
Chiapas M 4.2 04:09 UT
8130 2139 2152 2203 C1.5 (July 18, 2026) 1.7E-03
Primor'ye Russia M 4.0 21:54 UT
Chiapas M 3.2 21:53 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: quiet July 19-20 active July 21. Solar M-flare chance: 15% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 5, high: 3, mid-latitude: 4, time of max k: 16:00-21:00 UT; Max k: 2 Global Kp 1.67 0000-0300, July 18; Sunspot Number: 24; Radio Flux: 110
July 18, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A major earthquake of M 7.3 occurred in the area south of Chiapas, Mexico today. It was followed
by a series of aftershocks including one of M 6.0. NEIC reported the mainshock was
felt with intensity VII in Quezaltenango, Guatemala at La Esperanza with moderate damage and V in Guatemala in Olintepeque, Palin, San Lucas, Quetzaltenango, Peten, Solola and in Mexico in Tapachula, Chiaspas and Oaxaca at Asuncion Ixtaltepec. Intensity IV was felt in Guerrero, Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Belize, and as far as 1000 km from the epicenter.
A moderate foreshock of M 4.7 occurred about an hour before the mainshock. NEIC
reported it was felt with intensity III in Guatemala, Chiapas, Mexico and San Salvador.
A stronger foreshock of M 5.0 occurred also at the epicenter of today's mainshock
on July 14, 2026 and was reported in the summary at the time as:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Chiapas, Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Chiapas, Mexico in Guatemal City at Chinautla, Retalhuleu, Villa Nueva and in San JKuan la Laguna, and Panajachel, Solola, Olintepeque, Quezaltenango and in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Guatemala at San Bernardino, San Antonio Aguas Calientes, Villa Nueva, Mixco, and in Tapachula, Mexico.
O: 14JUL2026 01:19:59 14.8N 92.3W MB=5.0 NEIC CHIAPAS, MEXICO " (July 14, 2026)
The last earthquake in Chiapas, Mexico within about 200 km of today's
epicenter was an M 8.1 on September 8, 2017 and an M 7.3 on November 7, 2012. These
were the only such events with M>=7.3 in the area in the past 35 years.
At the time of the September, 2017 event this summary noted:
"A great earthquake of M 8.0 (EMSC) to 8.4 (UNAM) hit the area south of Oaxaca and Chiapas, Mexico today. It was
felt widely from Guatemala City to Mexico City and as far north as Belize.
This is the first earthquake in the world with M>=8.0 since an M 8.3 in
Central Chile on September 16, 2015 and prior to that an M 8.2 on April 1, 2014 in
the area of northern Chile. On average there is approximately two years between
great earthquakes such as this. The last earthquake of M>=8.0 within about 300
km of today's epicenter occurred on August 6, 1942 and M 8.4 on September 23, 1902 and April 19, 1902. These were M 8.3-8.4 events. This earthquake had been anticipated in previous issues of this report because
of several factors including the X9.3 solar flare yesterday, tidal stresses and
the severe geomagnetic storms. It occurred within about an hour of local solar
midnight, a time when these effects maximize. It is also directly west of
Hurricane Irma. Stresses on land associated with Irma probably were the major
promotional effect triggering this earthquake but previous summaries had pinpointed
it in some detail as follows:
GEOMAGNETIC PROMOTION:
The geomagnetic field was at severe storm conditions today. The AP level was 38.
High latitude geomagnetic field saw severe storm conditions with AP at 60.
riggering of strong seismicity from the severe geomagnetic storms
today and tomorrow is likely and includes the M 8.0-8.4 quake in eastern Mexico
today. A flare of X1.3 occurred near UT noon today,
This follows two similar quakes yesterday including an X9.3 the first X-class solar flare since an X2.1 on March 11, 2015 and the strongest
flare in at least 11 year, the solar cycle period. Strong seismicity is likely to be promoted 10-15 degrees from the geomagnetic
equator and at high auroral latitudes around September 10-13. This is most likely
in areas near 90 East and West longitudes including Indonesia and Central America
among others. This is a combined effect of weather, geomagnetic and tidal effects
associated with the full moon. The earthquake today in eastern Mexico appears
to confirm this analyses. The planetary K-index reached maximum of 8 today,
around 0400 UT on September 8. This is the first time it has reach 8 since
March 17, 2015, two and a half years ago. The simultaneity of this geomagnetic
storm and the M8+ at the same time in Chiapas, Mexico is powerful coincidental
evidence for a triggering relation as previously noted in this summary on
many occasions.
"Triggering of strong seismicity from the severe geomagnetic storms
today and tomorrow is likely to be delayed due in part to proton storms which
along with the electron influx will disrupt ring currents and induced telluric
currents. This in turn, will probably dial down seismicity until the ring currents
can reform around September 9-12. Strong seismicity is likely to be promoted 10-15 degrees from the geomagnetic
equator and at high auroral latitudes around September 10-13. This is most likely
in areas near 90 East and West longitudes including Indonesia and Central America
among others. This is a combined effect of weather, geomagnetic and tidal effects
associated with the full moon." (September 5-6, 2017)
"Hurricane Katia (Depression 13) continued today in the Gulf of Mexico with winds up to 80 kts. This
storm is expected to circle clockwise making a second landfall around September 9-10
on the coast of eastern Mexico. The long period of atmospheric low pressure
over the area north of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico could promote a strong
earthquake in this area in the next week. A seismic watch is being called
for the area from Oaxaca west to Michoacan through September 11." (September 7, 2017)
"a moderate to strong earthquake around the Caribbean but this is not likely
until mid-September after Irma passes into the Caribbean." (September 6-7, 2017)
SOLAR FLARE EFFECTS:
"A flare of X9.8 occurred near UT noon today, this is the first X-class solar flare since an X2.1 on March 11, 2015 and the strongest
flare in at least 11 year, the solar cycle period. Strong seismicity is likely to be promoted 10-15 degrees from the geomagnetic
equator and at high auroral latitudes around September 10-13. This is most likely
in areas near 90 East and West longitudes including Indonesia and Central America
among others. This is a combined effect of weather, geomagnetic and tidal effects
associated with the full moon." (September 7, 2017)
NEIC reported maximum intensity IX in the region of Chiapas, Mexico. Intensity VII was reported from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas with V in La Tritaria, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico and VI in Solola, Guatemala. Lesser
shaking was felt within about 700 km at intensity V-VI as far as Mexico City, Belize, Guatemala,
Oaxaca, Chiapas, Puebla and other states of Mexico as far west of Jalisco. It was also reported felt
with intensity II-III as far as 2000 km from the epicenter at San Antonio and Austin,
Texas. Extreme damage probably occurred in the epicentral zone and internet
pictures confirmed this. A tsunami warning with possible waves up to 3 meters was issued by PTWC. While a tsunami
likely occurred, reports are unverified at this writing.
Internet photos showed extensive damage to buildings in eastern Mexico. At least
two people were confirmed dead at this writing. Power was out as far as Mexico
City and roofs were damaged throughout the area. In some areas roads were blocked
with debris and hotel guests were trapped.." (September 8, 2017)
Today's epicenters in Chiapas, Mexico are at 104-106 degrees from New Zealand and Honshu, Japan and at
the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have
been promoted by energy from these sources.
In particular, at 106 degrees from the Epicenter yesterday in South Island,
New Zealand this summary had anticipated this activity in Chiapas in previous
issues as for example in the previous issue:
"Today's earthquake map on this website shows nodal areas where likely seismic enhancement may
occur following the event in New Zealand. The distance at 103 degrees
is notable as it passes through active areas of California, Mexico and Peru
among others. It is likely that enhanced seismicity in those areas will
continue following today's event in New Zealand." (July 17, 2026)
Enhanced seismicity in the area at this time had also been anticipated in this summary
in earlier issues due to the sub-solar nature of this epicenter at this time - for example:
"Other seismic regions nearing sub-solar conditions in the next several days
include Guerrero and central Mexico and northern Philippines among others.
Moderate seismic enhancement in these areas is possible at this time due
to sub-solar stresses." (July 11, 2026)
Today's mainshock occurred near local solar noon and within about 1 degree
of the sub-solar latitude for July 18. The nature of sub-solar triggering
in Chiapas, Mexico had been elaborated on in this summary on July 14, 2023
when an M 6.3 hear near today's epicenter near the time of the new moon.
At the time it was noted in this summary:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.3 south of Chiapas, Mexico. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VIII in Chiapas at Tonala; V in Tapachula; IV in Pijijiapan, IV in San Cristobal de las Casas and in Guatemala at Quetzaltenango and Olintepeque among others. Lesser shaking in Chiapas was reported from Tres Picos and Puerto Madero.
Previous strong earthquakes in this area have often occurred within a couple
of days of the new moon, with strong geomagnetic storms and flares, and are often
most likely to occur in mid-summer with the sun directly overhead near the new or full moon." (July 14, 2023)
Statistical evidence indicates that some triggering or promotion forward in time can occur in regions which are under high stress due to additional stress events of small size. Among these are surface and body waves passing through a region. Triggering may be dynamic with the promoted earthquake occurring at the same time as the stress event or delayed with an earthquake occurring later in time but still related to the stress event through water lubrication or other various geophysical effects on the faults. We have argued in this report for the past 35 years that this effect is most observable where the seismic waves are largest. In general this occurs at distances from the rupture ends of the earthquake producing those waves (mainshock) which we have termed nodal distances. These are defined by the formula D=360*m/n where D is the distance in degrees and m<=m where n an m are small integers. These are also the locations of the maximum corrections to magnitude in the standard Jeffreys-Bullen tables. In addition there is focusing of seismic energy from reflections and refractions of f the core-mantle and the inner-outer core boundary of the earth. This focuses energy at the surface in the distance between 101 and 108 degrees (core-mantle) and 141-148 degrees (inner-outer core boundary). In this report we monitor seismicity at these distances following major earthquakes as experience has shown that strong and/or unusual earthquake are much more likely to occur at these distance from the mainshock.
Antipodal (~180 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to
Outer shadow zone edge (141-148 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Banda Sea, South of Africa, Andaman Is, Kerguelen Islands, Java, Sumba, Ceram, Flores, Myanmar, South of Australia,
Node 3 (120 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Botswana, Tajikistan, Eastern New Guinea, Taiwan, Papua New Guinea, Congo, Bismarck Sea,
P- and S- shadow zone edge and node 7 (101-110 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Sea of Japan, Guam, East of Honshu, Japan, Snares Island, N.Z, Northern Mariana Is. Caucasus, Bonin Islands, Guam, Honshu, Cook Strait, New Zealand, Auckland Is, Izu Is, Japan, Vanuatu, Honshu, Japan, Hokkaido, Western Turkey, southern New Zealand,
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Poland, South of Fiji, Tonga, South Sandwich Islands, Italy, Kurils, Kermadec Islands,
Node 5 (72 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Central Mid-Atlantic, Iceland, Rat Is, Andreanof Is, Chukotka, Russia,
Node 6 (60 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to South Pacific Ocean, northern Chile, Fox Islands, Alaska, Central Chile, Hawaii, Alaska, Reykjanes Ridge,
Node 7 (52 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Antofagasta, western Canada, Central Chile, Coquimbo,
Node 8 (45 degrees)
Eastern Mexico to Vancouver,
The following chart shows the number of earthquakes that occurred today at one degree distance intervals from recent large earthquakes.
O: 17JUL2026 23:46:20 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 08:54:00 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:17:19 13.9N 93.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:20:12 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:59:33 14.0N 93.5W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 04:09:52 14.0N 93.2W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 06:14:42 14.0N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:55:10 14.0N 93.4W ML=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:00:23 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:32:12 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:34:23 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:36:03 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:51:44 14.1N 93.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 23:12:40 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 23:48:00 14.1N 93.0W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 02:00:42 14.1N 93.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 03:22:19 14.1N 93.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 04:13:54 14.1N 93.5W ML=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 08:29:53 14.1N 93.9W ML=3.8 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 08:59:33 14.1N 93.3W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:51:33 14.1N 93.5W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 17JUL2026 19:09:42 14.2N 93.0W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 20:02:30 14.2N 93.0W mb=5.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 20:35:28 14.2N 93.2W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 21:38:28 14.2N 93.0W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 22:13:07 14.2N 93.1W mb=5.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 23:35:10 14.2N 93.9W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 02:29:36 14.2N 93.9W mb=4.5 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 04:40:32 14.2N 93.9W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:20:47 14.2N 93.0W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 09:34:16 14.2N 93.4W ML=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 15:14:59 14.3N 93.0W mb=5.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 15:30:38 14.3N 93.9W mb=5.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 16:42:27 14.3N 93.0W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 16:57:38 14.3N 93.2W mb=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 17:23:33 14.3N 93.7W mb=5.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 18:26:43 14.3N 93.0W mb=5.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 19:17:21 14.3N 93.3W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 21:11:43 14.3N 93.1W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 01:11:07 14.3N 93.0W mb=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 03:12:04 14.3N 93.8W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:27:16 14.3N 93.5W ML=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 15:20:07 14.4N 93.0W mb=6.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 16:01:25 14.4N 93.7W mb=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 16:25:20 14.4N 93.1W mb=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 17:03:39 14.4N 93.1W mb=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 00:21:04 14.4N 93.2W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 01:49:05 14.4N 93.2W Mw=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 05:26:28 14.4N 93.1W ML=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 06:51:50 14.4N 93.2W Mw=5.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 07:46:19 14.4N 93.9W mb=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 15:57:16 14.5N 93.0W mb=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 17:15:23 14.5N 93.9W mb=5.1 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 00:53:52 14.5N 93.3W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 13:20:34 14.6N 93.0W mb=4.7 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 14:48:41 14.7N 93.9W Mw=7.3 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 18:12:50 14.7N 93.7W mb=5.0 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 18JUL2026 04:28:53 14.7N 93.0W mb=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 17JUL2026 21:20:18 13.7N 92.6W ML=4.1 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 18JUL2026 06:10:35 13.9N 91.5W mb=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE GUATEMALA
O: 18JUL2026 06:52:13 14.1N 91.3W mb=5.3 EMSC GUATEMALA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in the southern East Pacific Rise was not felt in this remote area.
This epicenter is at 45.0 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico (node 8) and near the
sixth node (60 degrees) from Venezuela and New Zealand and may have been
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 18JUL2026 11:12:57 24.4S 116.1W MW=4.9 NEIC SOUTHERN EAST PACIFIC RISE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Crete, Greece was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Crete, Greece
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Crete, Greece at Agioi Theodoroi, Irakleion, Nea Alikarnassos, Ano Arhanes, Stalis, Rethymno, Kalyves, Chania, Daratsos.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from Chiapas, Mexico and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 09:04:09 35.7N 25.1E ML=4.3 EMSC CRETE, GREECE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 in Nevada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Amargosa Valley.
O: 18JUL2026 07:34:02 36.7N 116.3W ML=3.5 EMSC NEVADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge was not felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Chiapas and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 06:26:08 0.9S 21.5W MB=4.5 EMSC CENTRAL MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3-4.7 in Kodiak, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Kodiak, Alaskan the area of Akhiok.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico and
105 degrees from New Zealand and may have been promoted by energy from those
sources.
O: 18JUL2026 07:20:42 56.1N 153.3W MB=4.7 EMSC KODIAK ISLAND REGION, ALASKA
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 5.2 and M 5.0 South of the Kermadec Islands were not felt in this remote area.
These epicenters are at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas, Mexico
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 05:46:47 32.8S 178.1W MB=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 17JUL2026 13:17:01 33.0S 177.9W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.3 in the Celebes Sea was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Celebes Sea in southern Mindanao, Philipines at San Isidro and Koronadal and in Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
O: 18JUL2026 02:23:40 4.6N 124.9E MW=5.3 EMSC CELEBES SEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Siberia, Russia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Siberia, Russia near Burla.
O: 17JUL2026 21:09:03 53.3N 78.1E MB=4.5 EMSC SOUTHWESTERN SIBERIA, RUSSIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Eastern Turkey was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Turkey at Gaziantep.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in eastern Turkey at Malatya, Battalgazi, Yesilyurt, Dogansehir, Elazig, Elbistan, Karakopru, Kahramanmaras, Gaziantep, Sahinbey, Sivas, Karatas and in Halep, Aleppo, Syria.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in Turkey
since an M 5.4 on May 20, 2026. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately strong M 5.4 earthquake also occurred today in Eastern Turkey. EMSC reported it was strongly felt in Turkey in Malatya, Battalgazi, Yazihan, Kahta, Adiyaman, Elazig, Siverek, Karakopru, Sanliurfa, Caglayancerit, and with moderate intensity at Bogurtlen, Pazarcik, Birecik, Nizip, Sehitkamil, Kahramanmaras, and as far as Hamah, Syria, Tripoli, Lebanon, Cyprus, among others.
NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with V in Turkey at Gaziantep with V and in Beirut, Lebanon with intensity II.
The last earthquake of M>=5.4 in eastern Turkey within about 200 km of this
epicenter was an M 6.0 on October 16, 2024." (May 20, 2026)
Today's epicenter is at 142 degrees from New Zealand and at 110 degrees from
Chiapas, Mexico and may have been promoted
by energy from those sources. A moderate M 4.0 occurred as a foreshock
at this epicenter yesterday and was reported in this summary at the time as:
"EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Eastern Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Eastern Turkey in Kale, Elazig, and Suran, Syria.
This epicenter is at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the new
moon of July 14 as noted in previous issues of this summary as:
"The new moon arrived on July 14, 2026 at 09:43 UT. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 39 East while those at local solar midnight are near 141 West longitude. These include Hawaii and areas of eastern Alaska and western Canada and to a lesser extent areas off the coast of Oregon and California while in the east they include Eastern Turkey as well as Ethiopia and areas off southern Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time. A moderate to large earthquake is possible in central or eastern Turkey at this time." (July 12-15, 2026)
O: 16JUL2026 19:52:53 38.4N 38.9E ML=4.0 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 18JUL2026 03:21:00 38.2N 38.5E MW=5.0 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in the Caucasus was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the Caucasus in Russia at Tereze and Uchkeken.
Like the event in eastern Turkey (see above) this event may have been
promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon.
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Snares Island, south of South Island, New Zealand was not felt in this remote area.
GeoNet reported the following data for this earthquake.
O: 16JUL2026 19:30:18 48.1S 165.2E ML=4.4 GEONET Not reported felt.
O: 17JUL2026 19:30:16 48.2S 165.3E MB=4.5 EMSC OFF W. COAST OF S. ISLAND, N.Z
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Poland was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Poland in Polkowice and Jerzmanowa and Glogow.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Chiapas and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 18JUL2026 11:27:42 51.5N 16.1E MB=3.5 EMSC POLAND
O: 18JUL2026 05:17:00 51.4N 16.1E MB=3.4 EMSC POLAND
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 2.3 in Santa Monica, California was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Santa Monica, California in Venice, Westwood, Culver City, and Marina del Rey.
O: 18JUL2026 07:35:02 34.0N 118.5W ML=2.3 EMSC SANTA MONICA BAY, CALIFORNIA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
TROPICAL STORM ELIDA (05E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS ELIDA 2026-07-18 00:00 UT 17.6N 122.5W 70 kts Pacific Southwest of Mexico
TS Elida (05E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 70 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days with winds up to hurricane force but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Elida is near 18S 57E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is likely at this time.
A tropical cyclone may be forming south of Mexico. This storm is currently at 11N 105W south of Michoacan, Mexico with winds up to 33 kts. It is not expected to significantly enhance regional seismicity at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 16, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
7980 2055 2135 2200 C5.2 (July 16, 2026) 2.7E-03 *
Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge M 5.0, 5.3, 4.7 ... 20:55-22:00 UT
Kyushu M 5.2 21:49 UT
7990 2315 0002 0039 C1.5 (July 16, 2026) 1.8E-03 *
Mongolia M 3.7 00:13 UT
South of Fiji M 4.4 23:35 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled July 18 quiet July 19-20. Solar M-flare chance: 15% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
A strong excursion in the geomagnetic field at the GOES 18 satellite magnetometer
occurred today starting at about 19:00 UT and peaking at 19:30 UT. An arcjet orbital maneuver
was performed and normal operations resumed by 20:20 UT. A regional aftershock of M 4.8 in the Snares Island area south of South Island, New Zealand
and about 200 km southwest of the strong M 6.3 in New Zealand was recorded
at 19:30 UT and may have been related to this change in geomagnetic field.
After several days offline the GOES-19 magnetometer resumed operations
at 15:30 UT on July 17. This, unfortunately was too late to catch any
geomagnetic fluctuations associated with today's M 7.3 in Chiapas, Mexico
which was near the longitude of this satellite and may have shown some
interesting results at this time. The mainshock in Chiapas, Mexico occurred
at 14:48 UT. The Kp and Hp30 index did not exceed 2 during the past 24 hours.
AP Indicies: global: 4, high: 3, mid-latitude: 4, time of max k: 15:00-18:00 UT; Max k: 2 Global Kp 1.33 1300-1900, July 17; Sunspot Number: 26; Radio Flux: 105
July 17, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong earthquake of M 5.9 (EMSC) to M 6.3 (GeoNet) occurred in South Island, New Zealand today.
NEIC reported it was felt in South Island with intensity IV in Invercargill, Waitati, Otago, Alexandra, Bluff, Queenstown and III in Wanaka, Denedin, Timaru.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in South Island, New Zealand at Queenstown, Wanaka, Invercargill, Dunedin, Waitati.
This earthquake may have been triggered by the ScS seismic wave (an S-wave that reflects off the core-mantle boundary) which
originated 16 minutes earlier when an M 5.0 occurred off the east coast of
North Island, New Zealand. This wave returns to the surface at 11-12 degrees
distance from the epicenter after 16 minutes, the time between the two
earthquakes in New Zealand and may have helped trigger the larger event
in South Island. In a similar manner, the strongest aftershock recorded
by GeoNet occurred also at 16 minutes after the mainshock at the return
time of the ScS wave originating in New Zealand to the epicentral area. The M 5.9 is the strongest earthquake in South Island, New
Zealand within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 7.8 and aftershocks
on July 15, 2009 exactly 17 years ago today. At the time this summary noted:
"A very strong earthquake of M 7.6 hit off the southwest coast of New Zealand today
in the Fiordland region of South Island. It was followed later in the day
by an M 6.1 in the region of New Ireland, P.N.G. There were no reports of
damage or casualties in New Ireland where the quake hit southwest of
the town of Kavieng according to AFP. The New Zealand earthquake was felt strongly
on South Island and caused minor damage but no major damage or casualties
according to initial reports. It was followed by at least 10 moderate to
strong aftershocks of M 5.2, 5.4, 5.2 and 5.8 which were generally fel with
intensity up to IV for the larger and IV-V for the more moderate events
in general at Invercargill and Gore, New Zealand. An M 5.4 aftershock off the
coast was reported felt with intensity VI at Te Anau. A foreshock
about 100 km to the northeast occurred on July 12 with M 4.0 in the Haast
area according to GeoNet and was reported on here. GeoNet initially reported
the earthquake as an M 6.6 but revised the moment magnitude to M 7.8 later.
That agency reported the earthquake was widely felt in the South Island and
as far north as Taranaki. An aftershock about 20 minutes after the mainshock
of M 5.8-6.1 was also felt on the southern South Island according to GeoNet.
NEIC reported maximum intensity VI at Tuatapere and Te Anau, Southland, N.Z. with intensity
V at Bluff, Edendale, Greymouth, Lumsden, and Winton, Southland, N.Z. Intensity
IV was reported generally within about 200 km but as far as 600 km from the epicenter at Wyndham, Westport, Wanaka,
Stirling, Riversdale, Queenstown, Outram, Invercargill, Balclutha and Arrowtown.
Lesser intensities were felt on North Island as far as Auckland 1200 km to the
north and in Sydney, Australia nearly 2000 km to the northwest. The M 5.8-6.1
aftershock was also reported felt with intensity VI at Tuatapere and IV at Queenstown,
Otago as well as within about 500 km of the epicenter. A tsunami alert was
issued but the maximum size of the tsunami thus far reported was about 20 cm.
At Jackson Bay and Bluff the tsunami arrived about 30 minutes after the quake and measured
about 17 cm. The tsunami was also observed across the Tasman Sea in Sydney. The
Australian Bureau of Meteorology reported a tsunami was felt along the coast
in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Lord Howe and Norfolk Island and
several waves and strong currents were detected mostly with heights of 20-30 cm.
Tsunamis in this area are generally not large and seldom are
damaging. Some power outages occurred with the quake. There were some reports
of downed power and phone lines in east Invercargill and Otatara and cracks in houses at Invercargil and Wanaka. Residents
in Queenstown ran into the streets in panic. The quake was described as
strong and rolling motion. It is quite possible that the quake added stress
to other faults along the Alpine Fault system bringing some closer to rupture.
A major break on the Alpine fault may be overdue and could come sooner rather
than later following today's earthquake. A strong earthquake hit the same region on August
22, 2003 with M 7.1. It caused significant landslides in part of South Island.
Similar earthquakes of M 7.0-7.1 hit the region on August 10, 1993 and November
22, 2004 but this is apparently the strongest earthquake in the region since
an M 8.0 in 1826, although the magnitude of that event is questionable.
This is the second largest earthquake to occur in the 500 year history of
New Zealand. The largest was an M 8.2 which hit in 1855 and killed eight
in the area of Wellington and Wairarapa. A similar M 7.8 hit in Hawke's Bay 78 years
ago and killed 256 people. The entire city of Napier was flattened. In 1929 an M 7.8
earthquake hit Buller killing 15 people.
While we had not expected a great earthquake in this area of New Zealand
at this time, with the geomagnetic storm we had anticipated a possible
strong event within about 10-40 km of the actual epicenter with magnitude
up to M 6.1 in forecast 46982. This event had been expected around July 14
as noted below.
The most active area of seismicity following the earthquake in New Zealand
occurred at the inner edge of the seismic shadow zone where seismic energy
is concentrated by reflection and refraction to the surface from the core-mantle
boundary. This is often seen to increase seismicity in the first few days
after major earthquakes in the distance range 100-108 degrees. In today's
events, several earthquakes were felt in this zone after the New Zealand earthquake.
These included an M 5.0 felt with intensity II at Jinjiang, Gansu, China,
an unusually large earthquake for this region. An earthquake of M 3.1 in
Central California was also felt with intensity II-III. Both of these
events occurred at 103-104 degrees from New Zealand. A series of
earthquakes also hit the Unimak Islands area of Alaska with M 5.0, 3.7, 3.0, and
3.5 at 102-104 degrees from New Zealand. An earthquake of M 4.6
was located at 103 degrees from New Zealand in Michoacan, Mexico according
to UNAM. The only nodal distance which showed immediate triggering was
at 45 degrees (n8) where the M 6.1 hit in New Ireland. The strong series
of earthquakes in Taiwan continued today with the strongest an M 5.4 felt
with intensity V in the Hualien area. These are occurring at 80 degrees (n9)
from New Zealand but are thought to have been triggered by tropical storms in the
region rather than the New Zealand earthquake. Further strong nodal
triggering is expected in the next several weeks and we will report on
it as it occurs. Readers are encouraged to examine the accompanying map
for other regions where nodal or shadow zone edge triggering may occur
in the coming weeks." (July 16, 2009)
GeoNet (the local seismic network) reported the following data for this earthquake.
This activity in New Zealand is at the third node (120 degrees) from Venezuela and may
have been promoted by energy from that source. Today's earthquake map
on this website shows nodal areas where likely seismic enhancement may
occur following th event in New Zealand. The distance at 103 degrees
is notable as it passes through active areas of California, Mexico and Peru
among others. It is likely that enhanced seismicity in those areas will
continue following today's event in New Zealand.
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.1S 167.6E MB=6.5 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity in the area south of Te Anau, South Island. 18532 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter including 6514 with weak intensity; 9012 light; 2590 moderate; 374 strong; 22 severe and 20 extreme.
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.1S 167.6E ML=6.7 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity in the area south of Te Anau, South Island. 18532 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter including 6514 with weak intensity; 9012 light; 2590 moderate; 374 strong; 22 severe and 20 extreme.
O: 16JUL2026 09:31:41 45.0S 167.6E ML=4.3 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity in the area south of Te Anau, South Island. 1815 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter including 577 with weak intensity; 832 light; 353 moderate; 41 strong; 7 severe and 5 extreme.
O: 16JUL2026 09:31:41 45.0S 167.6E ML=4.3 IGNS SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.1S 167.6E MB=6.5 IGNS SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.1S 167.6E ML=6.7 IGNS SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 14:26:36 44.9S 167.5E ML=3.6 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 17JUL2026 02:26:41 44.9S 167.4E ML=4.4 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.0S 167.7E Mw=5.9 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.0S 167.7E Mw=6.3 IGNS SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:21:05 45.0S 167.6E ML=3.6 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:25:33 45.0S 167.6E ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:30:37 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:31:41 45.0S 167.6E ML=4.1 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:39:51 45.0S 167.6E ML=3.5 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:51:51 45.0S 167.6E ML=3.9 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:57:45 45.0S 167.6E ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 10:04:06 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 11:32:09 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.5 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 13:25:00 45.0S 167.6E ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 16:16:35 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 16:50:16 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 17JUL2026 00:32:07 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 17JUL2026 03:45:26 45.0S 167.4E ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 17JUL2026 04:05:34 45.0S 167.5E ML=3.8 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:28:31 45.1S 167.7E ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:46:33 45.1S 167.6E ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 11:17:33 45.1S 167.5E ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 09:14:54 45.0S 167.7E MD=5.9 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 08:58:02 37.3S 179.9E MD=5.0 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
O: 16JUL2026 08:58:02 37.4S 179.9E MB=5.0 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.2 in southeastern Alaska.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Alaska at Copper Center and II in Valdez.
This is the strongest earthquake in Southeastern Alaska within about 200 km
of this epicenter since an M 5.3 and M 5.7 on January 1, 2026 which - like today's event -
occurred with the solar-lunar tidal alignment (full moon) as did the mainshock
on December 6, 2026 which arrived late on December 4, 2025. These, in turn,
were aftershocks of the M 7.0 that hit the area about 100 km east of today's
epicenter on December 6, 2025. At the time of the January, 2026 event this
summary noted:
"The full moon arrived on January 3, 2026 at 10:03 UT. Longitudes which are at ... local solar midnight are near 154 West longitude. In the west these include Hawaii and areas of eastern and southern Alaska ...
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.7 followed by an M 5.3 in southeastern Alaska.
NEIC reported it with felt with intensity III in Whitehorse and IV in Haines Junction, Yukon Territory, Canada and in Alaska with III in Yakjutat, Haines, Copper Center and lightly in Elfin Cove.
This is the strongest aftershock to date of the M 7.0 of December 6, 2025
in the Yukon Territory, Canada although a similar event of M 5.7-5.8 occurred on December 8, 2025. A series of increasingly large aftershocks has occurred in this area over the
past several days as reported in the previous issue of this summary:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.1 in southeastern Alaska
along the border with Yukon Territory, Canada. NEIC reported this event
was felt with intensity III in Yukon, Canada at Whitehorse and Haines Junction with II.
It follows a slow increase in regional seismicity over the past two days
as reported in the previous issue of this summary:
"The strongest earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today were a series about 200 km outside the
aftershock zone southeast of the M 7.0 in the Yukon, Canada event of December 6, 2025.
These events of M 3.5 and 3.6 follow an M 4.6 in the region yesterday. That event
is the strongest aftershock of the December 6 mainshock since an M 4.7 on December
10, 2025. Recent increases in solar activity may indicate activation of the
area with the possibility of a further event of M>=5 in the next couple of
days. Today's earthquakes were probably felt with intensity up to III in the Elfin Cove area of
Alaska as per NEIC data.
These epicenters are at the seventh node (52 degrees) from Hokkaido
and may have been promoted by energy from that source." (December 29-30, 2025, January 1, 2026)
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by tidal stresses with the new moon of July 14 which maximized at the longitude
of this earthquake as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The new moon arrived on July 14, 2026 at 09:43 UT. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 39 East while those at local solar midnight are near 141 West longitude. These include Hawaii and areas of eastern Alaska and western Canada and to a lesser extent areas off the coast of Oregon and California while in the east they include Eastern Turkey as well as Ethiopia and areas off southern Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time. A moderate to large earthquake is possible in central or eastern Turkey at this time." (July 12-15, 2026)
This epicenter is located at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Venezuela and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 16JUL2026 11:37:21 60.5N 141.5W MD=5.2 NEIC SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in the Volcano Islands, Japan was felt in the epicentral area.
This is the strongest earthquake in the Volcano Islands, Japan since an M 6.0
on March 2, 2026.
A week ago Super Typhoon Bavi passed just south of this epicenter at
its maximum intensity. This was reported in this summary at the time as:
"Super Typhoon Bavi (TD 09W) continued today north of Guam with winds up to 175 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next week passing over Guam as a major typhoon with winds up to 180 kts on or about July 4-5, 2026. Major damage is possible in Guam at that time. Seismicity in Guam is sensitive to strong Typhoons. It is likely that a moderate to large earthquake near Guam will accompany the landfall of Bavi in Guam within several days...." (july 6, 2026)
It is likely that lingering stresses from ST Bavi helped promote today's
earthquake.
This epicenter in the Volcano Islands is at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from the M 6.3+ quake in New Zealand today.
O: 16JUL2026 07:49:09 22.8N 144.4E MD=5.5 NEIC VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 16JUL2026 07:49:09 22.9N 144.4E MW=5.5 EMSC VOLCANO ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.0 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California with III in Watsonville, Gilroy and II in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Marina, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Aptos, San Juan Bautista and Santa Cruz.
O: 17JUL2026 07:52:08 36.9N 121.7W MD=3.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
A series of moderate earthquakes occurred today in the Southern Mid-Atlantic
Ridge. These events were not reported felt in this remote epicentral area.
They were closely associated with solar flare 7980 (C5.2), the strongest
flare of the day and may have been promoted by energy from that event.
Preliminary data for this flare from SWPC follow.
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
7980 2055 2135 2200 C5.2 (July 16, 2026) 2.7E-03 *
Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge M 5.0, 5.3, 4.7 ... 20:55-22:00 UT
Kyushu M 5.2 21:49 UT
The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's events in the southern
mid-Atlantic with M>=5.3 occurred on January 28, 2026 with M 5.4 but the last
such event within about 150 km was an M 5.5 on June 21, 2023. At the time
this summary noted:
"A series of moderate earthquakes hit the Atlantic ridge area today. This included
an M 5.5 and M 4.6 foreshock in the Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge; an M 4.6 about
400 km southeast of this about four minutes before them; an M 4.8 in the Central
Mid-Atlantic and an M 4.5 in the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge area. None of these
were reported felt in these remote oceanic areas. The M 5.5 in the Southern
Mid-Atlantic is the largest recorded within about 250 km of this epicenter
since an M 5.5 about 250 km northeast of this on March 17, 2022 but no earthquakes
of greater magnitude have occurred within about 100 km of today's epicenter
in at least 35 years." (June 21, 2023)
These earthquakes are occurring near the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.3+
earthquake in New Zealand. They are also near 103 degrees from the north and south geomagnetic poles
and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Venezuela.
O: 16JUL2026 19:51:50 12.2S 14.3W MB=4.9 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 23:29:40 12.4S 14.9W mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 19:24:18 12.6S 14.8W mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 21:16:33 12.6S 14.9W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 21:53:58 12.6S 15.0W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 19:44:55 12.7S 14.3W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 19:55:31 12.7S 14.3W mb=5.0 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 20:03:01 12.7S 14.8W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 20:21:52 12.7S 14.8W mb=5.3 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 20:55:24 12.7S 14.7W mb=4.9 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 21:29:41 12.8S 14.8W mb=4.7 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 17JUL2026 02:31:15 12.8S 14.7W mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 16JUL2026 21:50:39 12.9S 13.6W mb=4.8 EMSC SOUTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the Owen Fracture Zone was not felt.
This epicenter is at 120 degrees from Venezuela and may have been promoted by
energy from that source. More enhanced seismicity in this area of the
Owen Fracture zone is likely in the next several days.
O: 17JUL2026 02:04:03 13.7N 58.4E MB=4.5 EMSC OWEN FRACTURE ZONE REGION
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 5.2 and M 4.1 in Myanmar may have been felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Myanmar near Shwebo.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Myanmar at Shwebo, Mandalay, and Pyin Oo Lwin.
These epicenters are at 143 degrees from Venezuela and may have been promoted by
energy from that source.
O: 17JUL2026 01:26:07 22.9N 95.9E MB=5.2 EMSC MYANMAR
O: 17JUL2026 01:42:21 22.5N 96.2E ML=4.1 EMSC MYANMAR
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Qinghai, China may have been felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of China at Dunhuang.
This epicenter is located at 104 degrees from the M 6.3+ in New Zealand.
O: 17JUL2026 01:08:12 37.8N 95.4E MB=4.8 EMSC NORTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in Kyushu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Kyushu, Japan
O: 16JUL2026 21:49:40 30.8N 131.4E MB=5.2 EMSC KYUSHU, JAPAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
O: 16JUL2026 13:20:12 44.7N 110.5W ML=3.3 NEIC YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING
O: 16JUL2026 13:20:12 44.7N 110.5W ML=3.2 EMSC YELLOWSTONE NAT. PARK, WYOMING
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Eastern Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Eastern Turkey in Kale, Elazig, and Suran, Syria.
This epicenter is at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with the new
moon of July 14 as noted in previous issues of this summary as:
"The new moon arrived on July 14, 2026 at 09:43 UT. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 39 East while those at local solar midnight are near 141 West longitude. These include Hawaii and areas of eastern Alaska and western Canada and to a lesser extent areas off the coast of Oregon and California while in the east they include Eastern Turkey as well as Ethiopia and areas off southern Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time. A moderate to large earthquake is possible in central or eastern Turkey at this time." (July 12-15, 2026)
O: 16JUL2026 19:52:53 38.4N 38.9E ML=4.0 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in the Caucasus was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the Caucasus in Russia at Tereze and Uchkeken.
Like the event in eastern Turkey (see above) this event may have been
promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon.
O: 16JUL2026 21:24:57 43.9N 42.4E ML=3.9 EMSC CAUCASUS REGION, RUSSIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Coquimbo, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Coquimbo, Chile in Coquimbo, La Serena and Vicuna.
O: 16JUL2026 10:38:08 30.2S 71.4W MB=4.8 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, CHILE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Costa Rica was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Costa Rica in Mague, Panama.
O: 16JUL2026 10:33:52 9.5N 83.7W MB=4.6 EMSC COSTA RICA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
Some seismicity may be affected by weather due to wind, tidal surge and air pressure systems effects of the continental mass compared with adjoining plate masses. During the tropical storm season in the Northern Hemisphere we keep an eye on tropical storms which may affect seismicity according to our models. Currently the following tropical storms appear to have potential to affect seismicity in the coming week:
TROPICAL STORM ELIDA (05E)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TS ELIDA 2026-07-17 00:00 UT 15.9N 119.8W 70 kts Pacific SouthWest of Mexico
TS Elida (05E) continued today southwest of Baja California, Mexico in the north Pacific Ocean with winds up to 70 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days with winds up to hurricane force but is not expected to significantly affect regional seismicity at this time. The antipode of today's location of TS Elida is near 16S 60E in the South Indian Ocean where enhanced seismicity is likely at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of July 16, 2026. These listings are published daily in this summary and at SWPC.
The main line gives details of flares. Subsequent lines identify some earthquakes
which are at or after the time of the flare and could have been affected by
immediate Solar Flare Effects (SFE). Some earthquakes occur at longitudes
which were at local solar noon or local solar midnight when a flare occurred and may also have
been affected by SFE. These are not identified here.
SOLAR FLARES
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
7980 2055 2135 2200 C5.2 (July 16, 2026) 2.7E-03 *
Southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge M 5.0, 5.3, 4.7 ... 20:55-22:00 UT
Kyushu M 5.2 21:49 UT
7990 2315 0002 0039 C1.5 (July 16, 2026) 1.8E-03 *
Mongolia M 3.7 00:13 UT
South of Fiji M 4.4 23:35 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled July 18 quiet July 17 and July 19. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
A moderate geomagnetic storm with Hp30 (Kp) reaching 4.0 occurred early on
UT July 16 between 03:30 and 05:30 on July 16, 2026.
AP Indicies: global: 13, high: 20, mid-latitude: 11, time of max k: 15:00-18:00 UT; Max k: 4 Global Kp 3.00 0300-0600, July 16; Sunspot Number: 47; Radio Flux: 101
Print 