Because this summary is often behind schedule updates to the current date are being added here to make it more relEvAnt to current conditions
April 14, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.7 occurred today near the California-Nevada border.
More than 6000 reports of felt activity for this event were reported to NEIC. These
included maximum intensity up to VII in the epicentral area; VI in Nevada at Silver Sprints; V in Fallon, and Yerinton; IV in Fernley, Dayton, Sparks, an in California at Mokelumne, Doyle, Alta and Honewood.
A series of light aftershocks up to M 4.0 were also recorded and many were felt.
EMSC reported it was felt with strong intensity in Nevada at Fallon, Virginia City, Sparks, Carson City, Spanish Springs, Reno, East Valley, Genoa, Mogul, Gardnerville Ranchos, and in California at Truckee, Foresthill, Auburn, Deer Park, Sonora, Rancho Cordova, Linda, Sacramento, Woodbridge, Lodi and lightly as far as 200 km from the epicenter in Oakley.
NEIC reported intensity up to VII in the epicentral area of Fallon. This is the
strongest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter since an M 5.8 on December 9, 2024.
The last event in the area with significantly larger magnitude was an M 6.0
on July 8, 2021. At the time of the December, 2024 earthquake this summary
noted:
"A moderately strong M 5.8 hit the region of northern Nevada near the California border today. It was followed by a strong series of light aftershocks.
NEIC reported maximum shaking of VI was felt in Nevada at Dayton, Fallon, Fernley, Minden and III in Gardnerville, Glenbrook, Hawthorne, Lovelock, Indian Sprints, Austin.
Preliminary reports do not indicate any major damage with this earthquake.
Minor damage such as items fallen from grocery shelves did occur near the
epicenter. More than 12,000 responded to NEIC that they had felt this earthquake.
The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in northern Nevada with
M>=5.8 occurred on July 8, 2021 with M 6.0. The only other event in the region
in the past 35 years was an M 6.1 on September 12, 1994. At the time of the July, 2021
event this summary noted:
"The earthquake of M 6.0 in California was preceded about an hour earlier by an M 4.4
in Southeastern Alaska. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity IV in Alaska at Haines, Skagway and II-III in Elfin Cove, Gustavus, Hoonah, Juneau, Douglas, and in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.
Several other indicators had suggested that a strong earthquake was imminent in
California at this time. For example when a light earthquake occurred in western
South Dakota on June 16 ..." (July 8, 2021)
Some indication of a strong enhancement of regional seismicity inland from
major earthquakes off northern California has previously been commented on
in this summary. For example an M 4.2 in Utah - the second strongest earthquake
in Utah in the past four years - occurred minutes after the M 7.0 in California.
At the time this summary noted:
"The mainshock off northern California was also accompanied by an M 4,2 several minutes
later in Utah. This coincidence has been noted in this summary previously.
For example when an M 5.7 occurred in northern Utah on March 18, 2020 and was followed
several hours later by an M 5.2 off the coast of northern California this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake was also felt in Northern California today. This event of M 5.0-5.2 occurred near the coast and was felt with maximum intensity VI in Ferndale and Scotia according to data from NEIC. Intensity V shaking occurred in California at Rio Dell, Fortuna and Eureka and IV in Petrolia and Hydesville with lesser shaking in Lleta, Carlotta and Myers Flat. Light shaking was reported as far as Central California and southern Oregon. Several light aftershocks followed.
This is probably a regional aftershock of the M 5.8 which hit the area to the
west on March 9, 2020 in a regional activation from Alaska to southern California."
This summary had noted this at the time" (March 18, 2020)
The mainshock in Nevada may have been promoted by a C2.3 solar flare (#5700)
which was finishing up at the time of this earthquake." (December 9, 2024)
This summary had provided some warning that such an event was possible
at this time in the previous issue of this summary as:
"A strong geomagnetic excursion occurred on the GOES 19 magnetometer on April 13, 2026
at about 07:40-08:00 UT. This could affect areas near 60 East longitude and 120 West
longitude including area of Pakistan and Iran in the East and California
and western North America in the west. Expect moderate enhancement in
seismicity during the several hours after this change in geomagnetic field strength." (April 13, 2026)
Today's earthquake was within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight when
this geomagnetic effect peaked near 07:56 UT (00:00 UT local solar time) on GOES 19 Magnetometer
when an arcjet stabilizing maneuver corrected the satellite position.
This epicenter is at 108 degrees from the M 7.6 in the Molucca Sea of April 1. 2026.
This is at the distance where reflected and refracted seismic energy returns
to the surface following major earthquakes such as the event in the Molucca Sea.
The far-field forecast for Molucca had identified potential triggering of enhanced seismicity
in this area as:
"Inner shadow zone edge (101-110 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Idaho, Los Angeles, Vancouver B.C., Oregon, Washington, San Francisco, Coast of Northern California, Adriatic Sea, Mt. Etna, Italy, Serbia, British Columbia, Canada, Oregon, Nevada, Northern and Central California, Greece, Adriatic Sea, Crete, East Pacific Rise, " (April 1, 2026)
O: 14APR2026 01:29:11 39.3N 119.0W ML=5.7 EMSC NEVADA
O: 14APR2026 01:29:12 39.3N 119.0W ML=5.7 EMSC NEVADA
The second strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.5 in the Pagan region, Northern Mariana Islands, north of Guam. NEIC reported it was probably felt with intensity up to III in the epicentral area.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon in the Mariana Islands
and was likely promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
The last earthquake within about 250 km of this epicenter in the Mariana
Islands with equal or greater magnitude than M 5.5 occurred as an M 5.6 on November 11, 2024
but the last of significantly larger magnitude was an M 6.8 on April 5. 2024.
At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.8 in the northern Mariana Islands. NEIC reported
it was felt with intensity up to IV in the Maug Islands. EMSC reported strong
shaking in the Northern Mariana Islands at Kagman II, San Vicente, Dandan, San Jose, Mangilao, Guam and Kagman Vlg, Saipan.
This follows a series of strong earthquakes in the area of northern Mariana Islands
and Volcano Islands, Japan in the past several months including an M 6.9 on November 24, 2023
on November 24, 2023. Major earthquakes in the past 35 years hit the region at intermediate
and deep focus on July 29, 2016 (M 7.7); May 14, 2013 (M 6.8); October 31, 2007 (M 7.2) and August 23, 1995 (M 7.1)." (April 5, 2024)
Today's M 5.5 in the Mariana Islands occurred as Super Typhoon Sinlaku was passing
through the region and was probably promoted by stresses associated with
that storm as noted in the previous and current issue of this summary:
"Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with as a very powerful Super Typhoon winds up to 180 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-15, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 180 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 11S 31W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time." (April 13, 2026)
and
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 near Guam was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guam in Tamuniing with III.
This earthquake may have been promoted by the passage of Super Typhoon Sinlaku
which is bearing down on Guam at this writing. Possible seismic triggering
in this area with passage of STY Sinlaku had been expected in this and previous
issues of this summary as for example:
"STY SINLAKU 2026-04-13 00:00 UT 12.7N 148.0E 180 kts Southeast of Guam
Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with as a very powerful Super Typhoon winds up to 180 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-15, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 180 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 11S 31W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time." (April 11-13, 2026)
This epicenter is at the 10th node (36 degrees) from Vanuatu and at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from the North Geomagnetic pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources." (April 13, 2026)
and
"Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region northeast of Guam as a very powerful Super Typhoon with winds up to 160 kts. It is expected to track to the northeast over the next several days reaching the northern Marianas around April 14-17, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 90 kts. Damage in the area of the Marianas is likely. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 14S 34W is near the southern mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time." (April 14, 2026)
In addition to its proximity to STY Sinlaku this epicenter is also at the
sevent node from Tonga (52 degrees) and may have been promoted by energy
from that source.
O: 14APR2026 03:04:21 18.9N 145.5E ML=5.5 NEIC MARIANA ISLANDS
GeoNet reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in southern North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to IV in the epicentral area.
Data on this event in New Zealand follow:
O: 13APR2026 15:26:25 40.5S 174.5E MB=4.4 GEONET Felt with moderate intensity in the area of Southern North Island, New Zealand and northern South Island. 339 reports of felt events were made of which 236 reported weak and 98 light intensity with 5 reports of moderate shaking and 0 with strong and 0 severe and 0 with extreme intensity came from the area.
This earthquake occurred as the remnants of TC Vaianu were passing through the
area and had been expected in this summary at this time as:
"Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (31P) continued today in the area of Fiji and the Kermadec Islands with winds up to 70 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Tonga, Fiji and the Kermadec Islands in the next several days. It is expected to track to the south reaching North Island, New Zealand around April 11-12 where some seismicity could be triggered at that time. The Antipode is at 26N 1W in northern Africa - a non-seismic area." *April 10-11, 2026)
O: 13APR2026 15:26:24 40.5S 174.5E ML=4.2 NEIC NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Tarapaca, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Iquique, Tarapaca, Chile
O: 13APR2026 22:45:14 20.2S 69.2W ML=4.0 NEIC TARAPACA, CHILE
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 Erzincan.
O: 13APR2026 16:15:56 39.5N 39.2E ML=4.0 EMSC EASTERN 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:
SUPER TYPHOON SINLAKU (04W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
STY SINLAKU 2026-04-14 00:00 UT 14.6N 146.0E 130 kts northeast of Guam
Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region northeast of Guam as a very powerful Super Typhoon with winds up to 160 kts. It is expected to track to the northeast over the next several days reaching the northern Marianas around April 14-17, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 90 kts. Damage in the area of the Marianas is likely. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 14S 34W is near the southern mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time,
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 13, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5390 1120 1137 1152 C1.1 (April 13, 2026) 1.6E-03
Taiwan M 4.1 11:23 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: disturbed April 14 and 16 active April 15. Solar M-flare chance: 10% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 3, high: 2, mid-latitude: 3, time of max AP: 12:00 UT; Max AP: 1 Global Kp 1.0 0300-0800, April 13; Sunspot Number: 58; Radio Flux: 99
April 13, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong geomagnetic excursion occurred on the GOES 19 magnetometer on April 13, 2026
at about 07:40-08:00 UT. This could affect areas near 60 East longitude and 120 West
longitude including area of Pakistan and Iran in the East and California
and western North America in the west. Expect moderate enhancement in
seismicity during the several hours after this change in geomagnetic field strength.
The strongest earthquake felt in the world today was an M 5.3 in the area of New Ireland. NEIC reported it
was likely felt in Kokopo, Papua New Guinea. Today's earthquake occurred near
local solar noon in New Ireland and may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour. This is the largest earthquake
within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 5.4 on March 29, 2026. The last earthquake significantly
larger magnitude in this area was an M 6.0 on September 16, 2025. At the time
this summary noted in this regard:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Papua New Guinea was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Papua New Guinea in Panguna North Solomons.
This epicenter is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the North
Geomagnetic pole and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and is on the geomagnetic equator. It is likely to have been promoted
by recent geomagnetic storms." (March 29, 2026)
and
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.0 in the region of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was likely felt with intensity IV in the epicentral area.
This is the strongest earthquake in New Guinea within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 6.1 about 100 km north of this on April 12, 2025 which occurred
at the end of a strong geomagnetic storm. The event on April 12 appears to have
been an aftershock of an M 6.9 that occurred in the area on April 4, 2025. At the time
this summary noted:
"A major earthquake of M 6.9-7.0 hit the area of New Britain and New Guinea today.
Several moderate foreshocks have hit the region since the solar eclipse of
March 29, some of which appear to have been promoted by SFE associated
with solar flares and geomagnetic storms of the past several days." (April 4, 2025)
and
"A strong earthquake of M 6.2 (NEIC) to 6.3 (BGS) occurred in New Ireland, PNG today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III iNamatanai, New Ireland and Kokopo, New Britain, PNG.
This appears to be a regional aftershock of the M 6.9 in New Britain of April 4, 2025.
The last earthquake of M>=6.2 within about 200 km of this epicenter in New Ireland of equal or larger magnitude than
today's was an M 6.6 of November 15, 2024. This event also occurred with the
full moon of November 15, 2024 and had been noted at the time in
this summary as:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.6 in New Ireland, PNG. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity IV in East New Britain at Kokopo and III in Namatanai, New Ireland.
This event of M 6.6 is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since
an M 7.5 on May 14, 2019. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.5-7.7 in the New Britain
region of Papua New Guinea. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity VII
in Rabaul, New Britain and VI in Kokopo; V in Namatanai, New Ireland; IV in Arawa, Solomon Islands and II-III in Kavleng, New Ireland and within about 500 km of the epicenter.
It was also reported felt with moderate to strong intensity in Port Vila, Lihir Island, Bougainville, Port Moresby with power blackouts in the
Kokopo area. PTWC issued a tsunami warning but this was later withdrawn. Villagers
near the epicenter on the west coast of New Ireland reported seeing the ocean
recede but no damaging waves were recorded. Damage did occur in New Britain but
immediate reports are unclear as to how great it was. This is the strongest
earthquake in the world during the year 2019 to date. An M 7.5 hit the region of Ecuador
on February 22, 2019, the largest previous during this year. This earthquake
was simultaneous with the strongest geomagnetic storm since August 26, 2018 when AP reached 76." (May 14, 2019, November 15, 2024, April 12, 2025)
This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by the strong geomagnetic storm which continued today as it lies on the
geomagnetic equator. This was expected in the previous issue of this summary as:
"The strong geomagnetic storm which began late on UT September 14 continued today. This storm reached
planetary KP levels of 7 around 00:00-03:00 UT and at high latitudes around 09:00 UT
on September 15 and was accompanied by unusual earthquakes of M 5.0-5.1
in Malta and Guadeloupe which were probably triggered by it.
This is the strongest geomagnetic storm since the A-index reached 66 with high
Latitude A of 65 on June 13, 2025. Enhanced seismicity near the geomagnetic
equator and at high latitudes should continue for several days with this storm." (September 15-16, 2025)
This epicenter is located at the sixth node (60 degrees) from recent major
earthquakes in Kamchatka and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the Alaska Peninsula and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
It may also be of some interest to note that this epicenter is at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic pole and at the fourth node (90 degrees)
from the north geomagnetic pole. This is not uncommon to see this nodal
situation of earthquakes at times of strong geomagnetic storms." (September 16. 2025)
Today's earthquake in New Ireland may have been promoted by Tropical Cyclone Maila, a strong ocean
storm which passed near this epicenter over the past several days as reported in this summary
on April 11-12, 2026:
"TC MAILA 2026-04-11 00:00 UT 7.8S 154.6E 45 kts Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to meander in the area for several more days with winds while diminishing. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered possible in this area between April 9 and 12, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 8N 26W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region." (April 11-12, 2026)
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and the fourth node (90 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 13APR2026 02:56:01 5.2S 153.6E ML=5.3 NEIC NEW IRELAND
O: 13APR2026 02:56:01 5.1S 153.6E MB=5.3 EMSC NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 near Guam was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guam in Tamuniing with III.
This earthquake may have been promoted by the passage of Super Typhoon Sinlaku
which is bearing down on Guam at this writing. Possible seismic triggering
in this area with passage of STY Sinlaku had been expected in this and previous
issues of this summary as for example:
"STY SINLAKU 2026-04-13 00:00 UT 12.7N 148.0E 180 kts Southeast of Guam
Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with as a very powerful Super Typhoon winds up to 180 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-15, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 180 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 11S 31W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time." (April 11-13, 2026)
This epicenter is at the 10th node (36 degrees) from Vanuatu and at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from the North Geomagnetic pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 12APR2026 19:43:51 13.9N 145.6E ML=4.5 NEIC GUAM
O: 12APR2026 19:43:51 14.0N 145.6E MB=4.5 EMSC ROTA REGION, N. MARIANA ISLAND
A series of light to moderate earthquake began off the coast of Washington and Oregon today.
Some of these may have been flet light off the coast of Washington. This appears
to be related to a new volcanic episode in the area. The strongest earthquakes
in today's series were M 4.2 and M 4.1. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter
off Washington State with <>=4.2 occurred as an M 4.2 on April 7, 2011.
At the time this summary noted:
"The M 3.6 event off the coast of Oregon was not reported felt as it was
too far from populated centers. It is interesting, however due to its
unusual epicenter. While earthquake off the coast near Vancouver Island
to the north and others to the south are common, this is the first event
of M>=3.6 within about 100 km of this epicenter located by NEIC since
a triplet of earthquakes on January 26-27, 1998 of M 3.9, 4.5 and 4.7.
These are the only other such earthquakes located in this region in the
past 21 years." (April 7, 2011)
Since that time most of the regional activity has occurred about 150 km northeast of this
off the Coast of Washington starting with an M 5.5 on August 19, 2012.
These epicenters are at 100-102 degrees from the Molucca Sea and Malaysia and may
have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 12APR2026 11:48:35 46.7N 129.2W ML=4.2 NEIC OFF THE COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 15:04:33 46.8N 129.2W ML=4.1 NEIC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 08:38:17 46.7N 129.8W ML=3.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 15:04:35 46.7N 129.1W mb=4.1 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 07:30:40 46.8N 129.6W ML=2.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 08:59:21 46.8N 129.5W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 09:47:36 46.8N 129.4W mb=3.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 11:46:53 46.8N 129.4W ML=2.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 11:48:36 46.8N 129.1W mb=4.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 13:57:09 46.8N 129.2W mb=3.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 08:30:08 46.9N 129.3W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 09:07:24 46.9N 129.1W ML=2.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 12:25:28 46.9N 129.2W mb=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 12:36:05 46.9N 129.1W ML=2.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 13:22:25 46.9N 128.5W ML=2.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 08:01:42 47.0N 129.0W ML=2.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 12:53:44 47.0N 128.9W ML=2.8 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 14:11:16 47.0N 129.1W ML=3.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 16:04:58 47.4N 129.1W ML=3.2 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the eastern Mediterranean Sea in Turkey near Finike.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Turkey at Beykonak, Turuncova, Konyaalti, Fethiye, Alanya, Denizli.
The last earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter with M>=4.7 occurred
on December 8, 2025 to the northeast with M 5.1. The last of significantly larger
magnitude in this area was an M 5.9 on January 25, 2023. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 in the Dodecanese Islands of Greece and Turkey. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in the Dodecanese Islands, Greece at Lardos and IV in Rodos. Intensity III shaking occurred in Greece at Afantou, Koskinou, Sgourou, Soroni, Simi and in Turkey at Fethiye, Mugla and Kas, Antalya among other communities.
A light foreshock occurred near this epicenter on January 24. At the time this
summary noted:
"A light earthquake of M 2.7 was also recorded in the eastern Mediterranean Sea
near Turkey today. This event is notable as it occurred within minutes of
local solar midnight andy may have been promoted by high tidal stresses
with the new moon of January 21. It lies near the longitude of maximum
tidal stress with that alignment (see above and under "TIDAL" section of
this summary. The last significant earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter
was an M 5.5 on June 28, 2020. A major event of M 7.0 shook the area
about 250 km northwest of this on October 30, 2020. This activity is at 103 degrees
from the M 7.6 in the Banda Sea of January 9, 2023 and may have been
promoted by energy from that source. Forecast 150195 had expected enhanced seismicity within about 100 km" (January 24-25, 2023)
The last earthquake in the Dodecanese Islands within about 200 km of today's
epicenter with M>=5.9 was an M 5.9 about 150 km south of today's epicenter
on October 19, 2021. The last within about 150 km was an M 6.0 on June 10, 2012.
At the time this summary noted in this regard:
"Strong earthquakes of M 5.6-6.0 hit the regions of the Dodecanese Islands, Greece
and Hindu Kush in Afghanistan today. These followed a strong M1.3 solar flare.
The Hindu Kush earthquakes occurred at an epicenter which was within 30 minutes
of local solar noon when the flare occurred. The sub-solar nature of this
subsequent earthquake strongly suggests triggering from Solar Flare effects.
The earthquake in the Dodecanese Islands occurred may have been similarly
triggered. ...
At least 60 were reported injured in this earthquake with six injured
while jumping out of windows and balconies while in panic. The quake epicenter
was near the resort city of Mugla. A number of hotels in Antalya and Mugla
evacuated tourists. Fifty-four of the injured were in Fethiye. Two others were
hospitalized with heart attacks. This is the largest earthquake in this area
within about 250 km of this epicenter since an M 6.4 about 200 km southwest of this
epicenter on July 15, 2008. The only event in the past 22 years within 150 km
of today's epicenter of M>=5.8 was an M 5.8 on January 23, 2005. An M 6.2 also
occurred about 150 km to the west on July 20, 1996." (June 10, 2012, January 25, 2023)
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from Super Typhoon Sinlaku and may have
been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 13APR2026 05:48:34 36.0N 30.0E ML=4.7 NEIC EASTERN MEDITERRANEA SEA
O: 13APR2026 05:48:34 35.9N 30.3E MB=4.7 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in Tonga was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Tonga in Neiafu Vava'u.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the North Geomagnetic Pole and at the sixth
node (60 degrees) from Molucca and the fifth node (72 degrees) from Malaysia and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 13APR2026 02:15:00 18.4S 175.3W MW=5.4 EMSC TONGA
O: 13APR2026 02:15:01 18.4S 175.4W ML=5.5 NEIC TONGA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Puerto Rico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Puerto Rico with III in Adjuntas, Corozal, Camuy, Cayey, Utuado, Guaynabo, Las Piedras, Rio Grande, Toa Baja and Carolina.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Puerto Rico at Bayamon, Pajaros, Franquez, Morovis, Guaynabo, Aguas Buenas, Trujillo, Caguas, Pajonal, Bartolo, Ponce, Adjuntas, and Las Marias.
O: 13APR2026 02:06:37 18.4N 66.3W ML=4.2 NEIC PUERTO RICO
O: 13APR2026 02:06:35 18.4N 66.3W MB=4.3 EMSC PUERTO RICO
O: 13APR2026 05:09:47 18.6N 66.6W MD=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 13APR2026 05:59:50 18.8N 67.2W MD=3.1 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Andreanof Islands, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Andreanof Islands, Alaska near Atka.
This epicenter is at the sevent node (51 degrees) from STY Sinlaku and at the fifth
node (72 degrees) from Molucca and Malaysia and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 12APR2026 20:41:17 50.9N 172.8W ML=4.6 NEIC EASTERN ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA
O: 12APR2026 20:41:17 50.8N 172.8W MB=4.6 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Unimak, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Unimak, Alaska in False Pass with IV and III in King Cove.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Tonga and Vanuatu and may have
been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 12APR2026 20:14:09 54.2N 162.4W MW=5.1 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 12APR2026 21:09:09 54.2N 162.5W ML=3.3 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
O: 12APR2026 12:05:33 56.0N 159.9W ML=3.1 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Wyoming was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Wyoming in Auburn with IV and II in Afton and Etna.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Super Typhoon Sinlaku
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 12APR2026 15:01:23 42.7N 111.2W ML=3.4 NEIC WYOMING/SOUTHERN IDAHO
O: 12APR2026 15:01:23 42.7N 111.2W ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTHERN IDAHO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.6 in Utah was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Utah near Kanarraville.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from STY Sinlaku and
Vanuatu and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference
from those sources.
O: 12APR2026 07:40:45 37.6N 113.1W ML=2.6 EMSC UTAH
O: 12APR2026 07:40:45 37.6N 113.1W ML=2.6 NEIC UTAH
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Hindu Kush, Afghanistan in Jalalabad.
O: 12APR2026 23:54:22 36.5N 70.8E ML=4.4 EMSC HINDU KUSH, AFGHANISTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Honshu, Japan in Minamiuonuma.
O: 12APR2026 23:54:01 37.5N 137.6E ML=4.4 EMSC HONSHU, JAPAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Central Peru was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Central Peru in Carmen De La Leguna Reynoso, Independencia, San Isidro, and Santiago de Surco.
O: 12APR2026 17:12:44 12.1S 77.2W ML=4.0 EMSC NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Honshu, Japan in Sendai.
O: 12APR2026 13:00:43 38.2N 141.7E ML=4.6 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Valparaiso, Chile in Villa Alemana.
O: 12APR2026 09:23:36 33.8S 72.1W ML=4.1 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:
SUPER TYPHOON SINLAKU (04W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
STY SINLAKU 2026-04-13 00:00 UT 12.7N 148.0E 180 kts Southeast of Guam
Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with as a very powerful Super Typhoon winds up to 180 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-15, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 180 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 11S 31W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time,
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 12, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5180 0047 0101 0105 C1.9 (April 12, 2026) 9.9E-04
Mariana Is. M 5.0 01:09 UT
5200 0217 0220 0223 C1.5 (April 12, 2026) 4.6E-04
5210 0309 0318 0322 C1.0 (April 12, 2026) 5.4E-04
5230 0455 0508 0511 C2.4 (April 12, 2026) 1.0E-03
5250 0731 0738 0741 C2.4 (April 12, 2026) 9.2E-04
Washington M 2.9 07:31
5260 0829 0838 0841 C1.5 (April 12, 2026) 5.6E-04
Washington M 3.0 08:31 UT M 3.1 08:38 UT
Southern Texas M 2.1 08:31 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: disturbed April 13-14 active April 15. Solar M-flare chance: 10% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 8, high: 23, mid-latitude: 7, time of max AP: 12:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 2.33 0000-1800, April 11; Sunspot Number: 47; Radio Flux: 99
A strong geomagnetic excursion occurred on the GOES 19 magnetometer on April 13, 2026
at about 07:40-08:00 UT. This could affect areas near 60 East longitude and 120 West
longitude including area of Pakistan and Iran in the East and California
and western North America in the west. Expect moderate enhancement in
seismicity during the several hours after this change in geomagnetic field strength.
April 12, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.4 in Hokkaido, Japan. NEIC reported it was likely felt with intensity III near Nemuro, Japan.
The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in Hokkaido, Japan with M>=5.4
occurred on January 14, 2025 with M 5.6. An M 6.0 hit this region
on June 21, 2025, the last such event in the area. When the event occurred
in January, 2025 this summary noted:
"The earthquake of M 5.6 in Hokkaido is the strongest in that region within
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.6 in Hokkaido, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hokkaido, Japan may have been felt with intensity up to IV in Akkeshi, Japan.
This is the strongest earthquake in Hokkaido within about 200 km since an M 5.8 on October 24, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8-5.9 in Hokkaido, northern
Japan. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II in Sibetsu, Hokkaido.
JMA reported intensity up to V (Japanese intensity scale maximizes at 7) in several areas of eastern Hokkaido and lesser intensity in eastern Hokkaido within about 150 km of the epicenter.
There was some minor damage reported but no major damage or tsunami with
this earthquake. Video of the shaking can be found on the web. The last earthquake
in Hokkaido within about 200 km of today's epicenter of M>=5.9 was an M
6.0 on June 21, 2025 and an M 5.9 on June 18, 2025. At the time this summary
noted:
"An earthquake of M 5.9-6.1 hit the region of Hokkaido, Japan today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity I in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. No tsunami was observed nor expected." (June 18, 2025)
The last earthquake of significantly larger magnitude in Hokkaido in this
area occurred as an M 6.7 on January 14, 2016. At the time this summary noted:
The earthquake in Hokkaido, Japan was reported with maximum intensity V in Aomori at Misawa and IV in Aomori, Hachinohe, in Hokkaido at Obihiro, Sapporo and Shizunai. Intensity II-III was
NEIC also reported felt activity from central Honshu Prefectures of Tokyo; Miyashiro, Saitama, Wakuya, Sendai, Miyagi, Yokohama, Kanagawa; Morioka, Iwate, Tsuchiura, Ibaraki, Otofuke, Kitahiroshima, Iwanai, Hakodate, Chitose, Asahikawa, Hokkaido; Fukushima; Narita, Chiba, Hokkaido, Japan.
NEIC also reported a second earthquake of M 6.7 about a minute earlier in
Hokkaido. NEIC reported this was felt with intensity V in Obihiro, Hokkaido and IV in Aomori, Misawa and Sapporo. It was also felt with intensity II-III up to 1000 km away in Settsu, Osaka and 750 km in Tokyo. Also reported with intensity II-III in Hachinohe, Iwanai, Morioka, and Sendai, Japan.
Tidal stresses may have helped promote this earthquake. The occurrence was
within about an hour of local solar midnight, a prime time for tidal stresses
to promote seismicity. ... The last earthquake within about 200 km of this
epicenter with M>=6.7 occurred on March 14, 2012 with M 7.0. No tsunami was
reported with today's earthquake." (January 14, 2016, January 14, 2026)
Today's epicenter in Hokkaido is located at the eighth node (45 degrees) from the
North Geomagnetic Equator and from Molucca Sea and Malaysia and at the sixth node (60 degrees)
from Vanuatu and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those events.
O: 11APR2026 09:49:51 41.8N 146.4E ML=5.4 NEIC HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
O: 11APR2026 09:49:52 41.8N 146.5E MB=5.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
A series of light to moderate earthquake began off the coast of Washington and Oregon today.
Some of these may have been flet light off the coast of Washington. This appears
to be related to a new volcanic episode in the area. The strongest earthquakes
in today's series were M 4.2 and M 4.1. The last earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter
off Washington State with <>=4.2 occurred as an M 4.2 on April 7, 2011.
At the time this summary noted:
"The M 3.6 event off the coast of Oregon was not reported felt as it was
too far from populated centers. It is interesting, however due to its
unusual epicenter. While earthquake off the coast near Vancouver Island
to the north and others to the south are common, this is the first event
of M>=3.6 within about 100 km of this epicenter located by NEIC since
a triplet of earthquakes on January 26-27, 1998 of M 3.9, 4.5 and 4.7.
These are the only other such earthquakes located in this region in the
past 21 years." (April 7, 2011)
Since that time most of the regional activity has occurred about 150 km northeast of this
off the Coast of Washington starting with an M 5.5 on August 19, 2012.
These epicenters are at 100-102 degrees from the Molucca Sea and Malaysia and may
have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 12APR2026 11:48:35 46.7N 129.2W ML=4.2 NEIC OFF THE COAST OF WASHINGTON
O: 12APR2026 07:30:40 46.8N 129.6W ML=2.9 EMSC OFF COAST OF WASHINGTON
EMSC and NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Los Lagos, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Los Lagos, Chile in Puerto Varas.
O: 11APR2026 22:41:09 41.7S 74.2W ML=4.3 NEIC LOS LAGOS, CHILE
O: 11APR2026 22:41:09 41.8S 74.2W MW=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE LOS LAGOS, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.2 off the coast of northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern California with III in Eurka, Trinidad and II in Arcata, Orick and McKinleyville.
O: 11APR2026 18:12:12 41.3N 124.3W ML=3.2 NEIC OFF THE COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 11APR2026 18:12:12 41.3N 124.4W ML=3.2 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.8 in Washington State was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Washington State in Everett.
This epicenter is at 104 degrees from the Molucca Sea and may have been promted
by energy from that source.
O: 11APR2026 15:59:19 47.0N 121.2W ML=2.9 NEIC WASHINGTON STATE
O: 11APR2026 15:59:19 47.0N 121.2W ML=2.8 EMSC WASHINGTON
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Western Turkey was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Turkey near Simav.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Western Turkey at Simav, Gesiz, Gordes, Usak, Kutahya, Yenice, Mustafakemalpasa, Busa, Yildirim, Balikesir, Inegol, Gorukle, Nilufer, Osmangazi, Demirtas, Alasehir, Salihli among others.
Several aftershocks were also reported lightly felt.
This epicenter is at 104 degrees from Super Typhoon Sinlaku and may have been promoted by
energy from that source.
O: 11APR2026 14:31:56 39.2N 29.0E ML=4.7 NEIC WESTERN TURKEY
O: 11APR2026 14:31:58 39.3N 29.0E MB=4.7 EMSC WESTERN TURKEY
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Southwestern Iran was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southwestern Iran near Dogonbadan.
This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
A series of moderate earthquakes have occurred in the past several days
in this area of Iran and north of this near the border with Azerbaijan
with magnitudes up to M 5.4 in Azerbaijan and the southern Caspian Sea.
Current ground shaking associated with the ongoing conflict the region -
especially near Kharg Island may have destabilized regional tectonics leading
to this unusual series of earthquakes.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Super Typhoon Sinlaku
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 11APR2026 08:41:34 29.9N 50.8E ML=4.5 NEIC SOUTHERN IRAN
O: 11APR2026 08:41:35 29.9N 50.7E MB=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in India-Bangladesh Border was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of India-Bangladesh Border in India and Silchar.
O: 12APR2026 03:51:58 24.7N 92.8E ML=4.3 EMSC INDIA-BANGLADESH BORDER REGION
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Hindu Kush, Afghanistan in Chitral, Pakistan.
O: 11APR2026 23:59:06 37.0N 71.3E ML=4.4 EMSC HINDU KUSH, AFGHANISTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in India-Kashmir Border was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of India-Kashmir Border in India at Kishtwar and Doda.
O: 11APR2026 22:52:27 33.1N 76.2E ML=4.6 EMSC KASHMIR-INDIA BORDER REGION
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 SINLAKU (04W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
ST SINLAKU 2026-04-12 00:00 UT 11.5N 149.0E 190 kts Southeast of Guam
Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with as a very powerful Super Typhoon winds up to 190 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-14, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 195 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 11S 31W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time,
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 11, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5110 1008 1024 1039 C1.1 (April 11, 2026) 1.6E-03
Fox Is. M 4.0 10:08 UT
Gulf of California M 4.0 10:24 UT
5160 2315 2324 2330 C1.9 (April 11, 2026) 9.1E-04
San Francisco, California M 2.2 23:27 UT
There were no C- or higher class flares observed on the sun today.
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active April 12 disturbed April 13-14. Solar M-flare chance: 10% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 8, high: 23, mid-latitude: 7, time of max AP: 12:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 2.33 0000-1800, April 11; Sunspot Number: 42; Radio Flux: 93
April 11, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
Global seismicity was quiet again today. No significant events were located.
The current quiet period on the sun combined with lack of significant
ocean storms and geomagnetic storms and unremarkable tidal effects
probably contributes to this global quiet. The may change in a couple
of days with more active solar flare activity and as new tropical cyclones
intensify. TC Vainu is diminishing by could still pose a moderate threat
to North Island, New Zealand and TC Maila in the area south of New Britain
could still see some enhancement of seismicity in that area. A new Tropical
Cyclone east of Guam and the Caroline Islands could bring active seismic
conditions to that area in the next several days.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central CaliforniaCentral California.
O: 11APR2026 00:56:37 37.4N 117.8W MB=2.7 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 11APR2026 00:56:38 37.4N 117.8W MD=2.6 EMSC NEVADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in the eastern Andreanof Islands, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the eastern Andreanof Islands, Alaska near Atka.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Malaysia dn Molucca and at the
fifth node (52 degrees) from TC Sinlaku and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 11APR2026 00:39:53 52.0N 171.6W MB=4.7 NEIC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA
O: 11APR2026 00:39:53 52.0N 171.6W MW=4.7 EMSC FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in Southeastern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southeastern Alaska with III in Sitka and Elfin Cove and II in Douglas and Juneau.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Molucca and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from TC Sinlaku and may have
been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 10APR2026 16:43:16 57.9N 136.7W MB=3.9 NEIC SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
O: 10APR2026 16:43:16 57.9N 136.7W ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Unimak Island, Alaska, was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Unimak Island, Alaska.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from TC Sinlaku and
at the fith node from TC Maila and Vanuatu and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 10APR2026 12:51:12 54.2N 162.6W MB=4.9 NEIC UNIMAK ISLAND, ALASKA
O: 10APR2026 12:50:11 54.2N 162.6W MW=4.9 EMSC ALASKA PENINSULA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Southern Sumatra, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Sumatra, Indonesia in Benkulu with IV at Curup, Bengkula and in southern Sumatra with III in Pagar Alam and Lubuk Linggau and II in Prabumulih, Baturaja, and Lahat.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from TC Sinlaku and TC Maila
and may have been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 10APR2026 11:08:53 3.3S 102.4E MB=5.1 NEIC SOUTH OF SUMATRA, INDONESIA
O: 10APR2026 11:08:53 3.4S 102.4E MB=5.1 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Coquimbo, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Coquimbo, Chile
O: 11APR2026 02:14:52 29.8S 71.6W MB=5.0 EMSC OFFSHORE COQUIMBO, 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 CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-11 00:00 UT 7.8S 154.6E 45 kts Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to meander in the area for several more days with winds while diminishing. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered possible in this area between April 9 and 12, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 8N 26W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
TROPICAL CYCLONE SINLAKU (04W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC SINLAKU 2026-04-11 00:00 UT 8.5N 151.5E 90 kts Southeast of Guam
Tropical Cyclone Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with winds up to 90 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-14, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 145 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 9S 28W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time,
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 10, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were no C- or higher class flares observed on the sun today.
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: minor storms April 11 active April 12 disturbed April 13. Solar M-flare chance: 5% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 18, high: 28, mid-latitude: 16, time of max AP: 18:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 4.33 1500-1800, April 10; Sunspot Number: 48; Radio Flux: 94
April 10, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A solar flare of M1.0 (SWPC #5000) category was detected by SWPC peaking around 09:00 UT on April 9.
This is the strongest solar flare detected since an M1.4 on April 4, 2026.
Longitudes at local solar noon are near 45 East and at local solar midnight
near 140 West longitude and include much of western Asia and eastern Europe
in the East and southern Alaska and the western U.S. in the west. These
are the most likely areas to see enhanced seismicity with the immediate
effects of this flare.
Otherwise global seismicity was quiet today. No significant events were located.
The current quiet period on the sun combined with lack of significant
ocean storms and geomagnetic storms and unremarkable tidal effects
probably contributes to this global quiet. The may change in a couple
of days with more active solar flare activity and as new tropical cyclones
intensify. TC Vainu is diminishing by could still pose a moderate threat
to North Island, New Zealand and TC Maila in the area south of New Britain
could still see some enhancement of seismicity in that area. A new Tropical
Cyclone east of Guam and the Caroline Islands could bring active seismic
conditions to that area in the next several days.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Central Peru was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Peru with IV in Lima at Imperial, and III in Lima, San Kuis, Mala, Santa Maria and III in Pisco, Ica.
O: 09APR2026 23:57:48 12.7S 76.4W ML=4.5 NEIC CENTRAL PERU
O: 09APR2026 23:57:48 12.8S 76.4W MB=4.5 EMSC NEAR COAST OF CENTRAL PERU
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 in Covelo.
O: 09APR2026 18:51:50 39.7N 123.3W ML=3.0 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 09APR2026 18:51:50 39.7N 123.3W MD=3.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 09APR2026 18:43:29 39.7N 123.3W MD=2.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Coleville and in Glenbrook, Nevada.
O: 09APR2026 16:15:22 38.5N 119.6W ML=2.9 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 09APR2026 11:57:50 38.5N 119.6W MD=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 09APR2026 16:15:21 38.5N 119.5W ML=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Mindanao, Philippines was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Mindanao, Philippines in Davao.
O: 09APR2026 15:07:31 6.3N 126.1E MB=4.7 EMSC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 09APR2026 15:07:31 6.2N 126.0W ML=4.7 NEIC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Argentina was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Argentina at Villa Union.
O: 10APR2026 02:09:10 29.5S 68.2W ML=4.4 ENSC ARGENTINA
O: 10APR2026 02:09:10 29.5S 68.2W ML=4.4 EMSC LA RIOJA, ARGENTINA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Myanmar was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Myanmar in Raha, India.
O: 09APR2026 20:02:22 25.3N 94.8E ML=4.4 ENSC MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION
O: 09APR2026 20:02:22 25.3N 94.9E ML=4.4 EMSC MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION
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 CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-10 00:00 UT 8.4S 154.3E 55 kts Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 55 kts. It is expected to meander in the area for several more days with winds while diminishing. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered possible in this area between April 9 and 12, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 8N 26W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
TROPICAL CYCLONE SINLAKU (04W)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC SINLAKU 2026-04-10 00:00 UT 8.5N 151.1E 90 kts Southeast of Guam
Tropical Cyclone Sinlaku (04W) continued today in the region southeast of Guam with winds up to 90 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-14, 2026 as a major typhoon with winds up to 145 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 9S 28W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time,
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 9, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4920 0057 0105 0110 C1.4 (April 9, 2026) 9.3E-04
4950 0521 0528 0536 C1.3 (April 9, 2026) 9.4E-04
Yap M 5.1 05:35 UT
Vancouver M 2.8 05:20 UT
4960 0628 0631 0640 C1.0 (April 9, 2026) 8.4E-04
4990 0807 0814 0820 C1.4 (April 9, 2026) 9.3E-04
5000 0823 0845 1005 M1.0 (April 9, 2026) 1.7E-02 *
Oaxaca M 4.1 09:44 UT
Western Texas M 3.4 09:37 UT
Gulf of Alaska M 4.3 10:05 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: minor storms April 10-11 active April 12. Solar M-flare chance: 5% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 7, high: 20, mid-latitude: 6, time of max AP: 16:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 2.33 2100-2400, April 9; Sunspot Number: 103; Radio Flux: 108
April 9, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A solar flare of M1.0+ category was detected by SWPC peaking around 09:00 UT on April 9.
This is the strongest solar flare detected since an M1.4 on April 4, 2026.
Longitudes at local solar noon are near 45 East and at local solar midnight
near 140 West longitude and include much of western Asia and eastern Europe
in the East and southern Alaska and the western U.S. in the west. These
are the most likely areas to see enhanced seismicity with the immediate
effects of this flare.
The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred as an M 5.6 in the Caspian
Sea area of Azerbaijan near the southern border with Iran.
EMSC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Azerbaijan at Neftcala, Haftoni, Astara, Masally, Pushkino, Baku, Biny Selo and Qaracuxur.
Ground stability in this region near the current hostilities in Iran may
have been destabilized by recent missile attacks in the region (like a smaller
event in Southern Iran today (see previous issue). The last earthquake within about
200 km of this epicenter in Azerbaijan with equal of larger magnitude occurred
on November 25, 2000 with M 6.8. When an M 5.9 occurred about 300 km southwest of this
epicenter on November 7, 2019, this summary noted:
"An earthquake of M 5.9 shook areas of northwestern Iran today continuing regional seismic activation which has been followed in previous issues of this summary. Today's quake killed at least five (BBC reports six and the toll will rise as rescue teams reach the area and report their findings) and injured more than 330. Most of the injuries occurred in stampedes. Many buildings were destroyed or damage as well as three small villages which were devastated. The quake hit in the Azerbaijan province near Tark about 400 km NW of Tehran, Iran.
NEIC reported maximum intensity VII in Iran at Sarab, Azerbaijan and V in Garmarud, Ahar, Malekan, Tebriz and Hashtpar; and IV in Hashtrud, Ardabil, Margha and Astara and within about 200 km of the epicenter. A regional aftershock nearly 200 km to the east along the Iran-Iraq border occurred shortly after the mainshock. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Iran at Naghada and Mehabad and Karaj with II-III in Marhemetabad, Orumiyeh, Azarba, Azar Shahr, and Tebriz.
Active seismicity also continued with an M 4.3 in Southern Iran - an area that
has been active in the past week. Recent increases in global seismicity especially in the Southwest Pacific indicate a more active period is upon us after nearly four months of global quiet at high magnitudes.
The M 5.9 is the strongest event within about 200 km of today's epicenter
since an M 6.3 to the northwest on August 11, 2012 and prior to that an M 6.1 on February 28, 1997." (November 7, 2019)
This epicenter is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and from Vanuatu and at the seventh nodes (52 and 105 degrees) from TC Maila and the
North Geomagnetic pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 08APR2026 09:05:37 38.9N 49.6E ML=5.6 EMSC CASPIAN SEA, AZERBAIJAN
O: 08APR2026 09:05:36 38.8N 49.6E ML=5.6 NEIC AZERBAIJAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Southern Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Texas in Campbellton.
O: 08APR2026 12:02:23 28.7N 98.1W ML=3.4 NEIC SOUTHERN TEXAS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.1 in Hawaii was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Mountain View.
O: 08APR2026 11:56:26 20.2N 155.7W ML=3.1 NEIC HAWAII
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Southeastern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southeastern Alaska in Haines and in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.
O: 08APR2026 11:19:52 59.7N 136.1W ML=3.5 NEIC SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.2 in Shikoku, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Shikoku, Japan in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi.
O: 08APR2026 11:13:04 33.7N 132.3E ML=3.2 NEIC SHIKOKU, JAPAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in El Salvador was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of El Salvador in Chirilaga, San Miguel.
O: 08APR2026 10:43:20 12.8N 88.3W ML=4.2 NEIC EL SALVADOR
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 2.1 in Ohio was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Ohio at Madison.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity II in Ohio at Geneva, Eastlake, Madison, Painesville and Mentor.
O: 08APR2026 23:17:34 41.8N 81.0W ML=2.1 EMSC OHIO
O: 08APR2026 23:17:34 41.8N 81.0W ML=2.1 EMSC OHIO
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Haiti was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Haiti in Fond des Blancs.
O: 08APR2026 20:09:23 18.5N 73.2W ML=3.8 EMSC HAITI
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Kazakhstan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kazakhstan at Burunday, Chemolgan, Pervomayka, Otegen Batyra, Almaty, and Talghar.
O: 08APR2026 17:55:36 44.0N 75.9E ML=4.1 EMSC KAZAKHSTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in the Central Mediterranean was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the Central Mediterranean in Kalamata, Greece.
O: 08APR2026 11:34:58 35.7N 22.3E ML=4.8 EMSC CENTRAL MEDITERRANEAN
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 CYCLONE VAIANU (31P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC VAIANU 2026-04-09 00:00 UT 26.8S 179.0E 70 kts Fiji Islands
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (31P) continued today in the area of Fiji and the Kermadec Islands with winds up to 70 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Tonga, Fiji and the Kermadec Islands in the next several days. It is expected to track to the south reaching North Island, New Zealand around April 11-12 where some seismicity could be triggered at that time. The Antipode is at 26N 1W in northern Africa - a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-09 00:00 UT 8.5S 155.1E 125 kts Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 125 kts. It is expected to move meander in the area for several more days with winds approaching 125 kts on April 9. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 9 and 12, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 9N 25W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
TROPICAL CYCLONE 04W
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 04W 2026-04-09 00:00 UT 8.1N 152.1E 40 kts Southeast of Guam
Tropical Cyclone 04W formed today in the region southeast of Guam with winds up to 40 kts. It is expected to track to the northwest over the next several days reaching Guam around April 13-14, 2026 as a typhoon with winds up to 140 kts. Damage in the area of Guam is likely at that time. Enhanced seismicity in the area of Guam is likely in the next week including the potential for a strong earthquake late in that period. The antipode at 8S 28W is near the mid-Atlantic Ridge and could see minor seismic enhancement at this time,
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 8, 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 0824 0850 1010 M1.0 (April 9, 2026) 4.5E-03
4810 0038 0048 0054 C1.0 (April 8, 2026) 9.7E-04
Coast of Central America M 4.2 00:49 UT
4820 0457 0501 0512 C1.3 (April 8, 2026) 1.1E-03
4870 1222 1233 1239 C1.3 (April 8, 2026) 1.2E-03
4890 1531 1543 1550 C8.7 (April 8, 2026) 5.2E-03
Java M 3.7 15:34 UT
Flares M 4.9 16:17 UT
4910 2338 2350 2358 C1.4 (April 8, 2026) 1.5E-03
Oregpm M 3.9 09:00 UT
Papua M 3.6 23:39 UT
Fiji M 4.9 00:16 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled April 9 minor storms April 10-11. Solar M-flare chance: 35% X-class: 10% proton storm: 10%
AP Indicies: global: 7, high: 18, mid-latitude: 6, time of max AP: 12:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 2.33 1100-1300, April 8; Sunspot Number: 103; Radio Flux: 108
A solar flare of M1.0+ category was detected by SWPC peaking around 09:00 UT on April 9.
This is the strongest solar flare detected since an M1.4 on April 4, 2026.
Longitudes at local solar noon are near 45 East and at local solar midnight
near 140 West longitude and include much of western Asia and eastern Europe
in the East and southern Alaska and the western U.S. in the west. These
are the most likely areas to see enhanced seismicity with the immediate
effects of this flare.
April 8, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The strongest earthquake in the world today occurred as an M 5.6 in the Caspian
Sea area of Azerbaijan near the southern border with Iran.
EMSC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Azerbaijan at Neftcala, Haftoni, Astara, Masally, Pushkino, Baku, Biny Selo and Qaracuxur.
Ground stability in this region near the current hostilities in Iran may
have been destabilized by recent missile attachs in the region (like a smaller
event in Southern Iran today (see below). The last earthquake within about
200 km of this epicenter in Azerbaijan with equal of larger magnitude occurred
on November 25, 2000 with M 6.8. When an M 5.9 occurred about 300 km southwest of this
epicenter on November 7, 2019, this summary noted:
"An earthquake of M 5.9 shook areas of northwestern Iran today continuing regional seismic activation which has been followed in previous issues of this summary. Today's quake killed at least five (BBC reports six and the toll will rise as rescue teams reach the area and report their findings) and injured more than 330. Most of the injuries occurred in stampedes. Many buildings were destroyed or damage as well as three small villages which were devastated. The quake hit in the Azerbaijan province near Tark about 400 km NW of Tehran, Iran.
NEIC reported maximum intensity VII in Iran at Sarab, Azerbaijan and V in Garmarud, Ahar, Malekan, Tebriz and Hashtpar; and IV in Hashtrud, Ardabil, Margha and Astara and within about 200 km of the epicenter. A regional aftershock nearly 200 km to the east along the Iran-Iraq border occurred shortly after the mainshock. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Iran at Naghada and Mehabad and Karaj with II-III in Marhemetabad, Orumiyeh, Azarba, Azar Shahr, and Tebriz.
Active seismicity also continued with an M 4.3 in Southern Iran - an area that
has been active in the past week. Recent increases in global seismicity especially in the Southwest Pacific indicate a more active period is upon us after nearly four months of global quiet at high magnitudes.
The M 5.9 is the strongest event within about 200 km of today's epicenter
since an M 6.3 to the northwest on August 11, 2012 and prior to that an M 6.1 on February 28, 1997." (November 7, 2019)
This epicenter is located at the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and from Vanuatu and at the seventh nodes (52 and 105 degrees) from TC Maila and the
North Geomagnetic pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 08APR2026 09:05:37 38.9N 49.6E ML=5.6 EMSC CASPIAN SEA, AZERBAIJAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Southern Iran was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Iran.
The event was probably felt with light to moderate intensity but no specifics
are available at this time. The epicenter is not far from the Strait of Hormuz
and shaking from the earthquake may have been mistaken for missile strikes.
It is possible that shaking associated with the current missile strikes in the
area helped create enough ground instability to trigger this earthquake.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
This is an active seismic area. The last earthquake of M>=4.5 within about 200 km
of today's event occurred as an M 5.0 on October 21, 2025
The last strong earthquake of M>=6 in the area was an M 6.2 on April 9, 2013.
(about 200 km south of today's epicenter). At the time this summary noted:
A strong earthquake of M 6.4 in southern Iran today was probably triggered
by tidal effects from the new moon alignment which is complete today (April 10)
at 0937 UT.
...
The earthquake of M 6.3 in Iran at 51E longitude clearly fits into this tidal triggering region and was
probably promoted by tidal forces. Tidal forces, while dominant in this case
were probably not the only ones involved in this earthquake. The strongest
solar flare of the day - a C2.9 (#2910 SWPC) occurred when this epicenter
was exactly sub-solar three hours before the M 6.4 earthquake. The earthquake,
however did not occur until a second flare of C1.9 occurred and maximized
several minutes before the earthquake in Iran occurred. Many of the strongest
aftershock in the first five hours were also closely related to the timing
of subsequent C-class solar flares. The maximum effect of a solar flare
occurs in areas which are in those areas which are sub- and anti-solar at
the time of the flare. A Gamma Ray Burst late on April 8, the first in 11
days may also have had some triggering effects. In recent months, GRB have
often been followed by strong earthquakes. This may be related to gravity
waves or other phenomena related to the GRB.
At least 37 people were killed in the Iranian earthquake today. More than 850 more
were injured and 100 hospitalized in this sparsely populated area of southern Iran. Reports indicate
a regional nuclear power plant at Bushehr, Iran about 100 km northwest of the epicenter was not damaged.
The plant was apparently offline at the time of the earthquake according to Russian officials.
Water and electricity was out throughout the epicentral area. The worst damage
appears to have been in the area of Kaki and Baghan. Three days of mourning
have been announced. The earthquake was felt in the Gulf of Bahrain, The United
Arab Emirates and Qatar as well as in Iran. NEIC reported intensity V in
the United Arab Emirates at Ash-Shariqah and II-III in Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
in Kuwait at Al-Kuwayt, Al-Manqaf, Al-Ahmadi, Farwaniya, Beneid al-Qar,
and Abrak. It was also felt in Saudi Arabia at Bani Ma'n, Damman, Jubail, and in Bahrain
at Amana, Al-Hidd, and in Qatar at Doha and Khor. In Iran intensity IV was
felt in Shiraz and I in Tehran. Aftershocks were felt in a similar region.
The strongest aftershock was an M 5.6 felt strongly in Fars, Iran and
in the epicentral area early on April 10. At least two villages were devastated
with one completely destroyed. Earthquakes in this area often do far more
damage than in other regions due to the mud-brick construction of many homes.
Landslides have begun to destroy buildings which withstood the quake.
Crowds have gather in the streets of Dashti and police have been dispatched
to restore order according to reports from Reuters. This is the strongest
earthquake in southern Iran since an M 6.5 on December 20, 2010 about 800
km to the east of today's epicenter. An M 6.3 hit in northwestern Iran
on August 11, 2012. No other events of larger size have hit Iran in the
past five years. It is the largest earthquake in southern Iran within
500 km of this epicenter in at least 23 years. The last regional event of larger
magnitude occurred on November 6, 1990 with M 6.6." (April 9, 2013)
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from Vanuatu and 105 degrees from TC Maila
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 07APR2026 07:39:36 30.0N 51.7E ML=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
O: 07APR2026 07:39:26 30.0N 51.7E MB=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Los Angeles, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Los Angeles, California with III in Cataic, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Valencia and II in Santa Clarita, Lancaster, and Newhall.
O: 08APR2026 04:04:00 34.5N 118.6W MB=2.8 NEIC LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
O: 08APR2026 04:04:00 34.5N 118.6W ML=2.8 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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 Susanville.
O: 08APR2026 02:47:22 40.5N 120.7W MB=2.5 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 08APR2026 02:47:22 40.5N 120.7W MD=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands.
This earthquake occurred as TC Vaianu passed near this epicenter and was
probably promoted by stresses from this storm as noted in previous issues
of this summary:
"TC VAIANU 2026-04-07 00:00 UT 20.0S 176.0E 115 kts Fiji Islands
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (31P) continued today in the area east of Fiji with winds up to 115 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Tonga and Fiji in the next several days. It is expected to track to the south reaching North Island, New Zealand around April 11-12 where some seismicity could be triggered at that time. The Antipode is at 20N 4W west of northern Africa - a non-seismic area." (April 7, 2026)
O: 08APR2026 00:11:27 21.5S 168.8E MB=5.1 NEIC NEW CALEDONIA
O: 08APR2026 00:11:32 21.5S 168.9E MB=5.1 EMSC LOYALTY ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 off the coast of Oregon was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Oregon at Toledo, Falls City, Beaverton, Newport and Depoe Bay.
This earthquake occurred near an area where volcanism is expected
to trigger a strong eruption in the near future. This earthquake occurred
within minutes of local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal
and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour. Hair triggering of this type
may indicate the area is near a larger event and tha it should be watched for further signs of
geologic Instability at this time.
O: 07APR2026 20:49:25 44.6N 129.3W MB=4.0 NEIC OFF THE COAST OF OREGON
O: 07APR2026 20:49:25 44.7N 129.3W MB=4.0 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge was not felt today.
It occurred at the same longitude as the M 4.0 in Oregon (see above) and
about 100 degrees from the Oregonian epicenter. This event in the Antarctic
occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
This earthquake may have been promoted by solar flare 4770 - a C1.3 flare
that peaked within a couple of minutes of this flare at local solar noon.
Data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4770 2040 2052 2100 C1.3 (April 7, 2026) 1.3E-03
Off coast of Oregon M 4.0 20:49 UT
This epicenter and the event off Oregon (see above) are in symmetry about
the Molucca Sea earthquake of M 7.6 of April and are both at 100-103 degrees
from Molucca and Malaysia and may have been promoted by consturctive interference of energy from those
sources.
O: 07APR2026 09:07:44 55.1S 128.5W MB=5.2 EMSC PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
O: 07APR2026 09:07:44 55.1S 128.4W ML=5.2 NEIC PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Ryukyu Islands, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of with II in Ginowan, Okinawa.
O: 07APR2026 20:28:37 26.0N 128.5E MB=4.7 NEIC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 07APR2026 20:28:38 26.0N 128.5E MB=4.7 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 07APR2026 18:03:17 26.3N 128.9E mb=4.7 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Michoacan, Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Michoacan, Mexico in Tlalnepantla.
O: 07APR2026 15:13:31 19.1N 102.0W MB=4.6 NEIC MICHOACAN, MEXICO
O: 07APR2026 15:13:31 19.1N 102.0W MB=4.6 EMSC MICHOACAN, MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska
O: 07APR2026 11:46:49 62.3N 151.2W MB=3.6 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 07APR2026 11:46:49 62.3N 151.2W ML=3.6 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in the India-Myanmar border area was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the India-Bangladesh border area in Assam, India with V in Silchar; III in Hailakandi and II in Dulia Gaon.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in India at Silchar, Badarpur and Guwahati and in Bangladesh at Dhaka, Paltan, and Azimpur.
O: 07APR2026 08:48:28 24.9N 92.7E MB=4.9 NEIC INDIA/BANGLADESH
O: 07APR2026 08:48:29 24.7N 92.7E MB=4.9 EMSC INDIA-BANGLADESH BORDER REGION
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 CYCLONE VAIANU (31P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC VAIANU 2026-04-08 00:00 UT 23.4S 178.0E 90 kts Fiji Islands
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (31P) continued today in the area of Fiji with winds up to 90 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Tonga and Fiji in the next several days. It is expected to track to the south reaching North Island, New Zealand around April 11-12 where some seismicity could be triggered at that time. The Antipode is at 23N 2W in northern Africa - a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-08 00:00 UT 8.7S 155.7E 130 kts Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 130 kts. It is expected to move meander in the area for several more days with winds approaching 135 kts on April 8-9. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 8 and 11, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 9N 24W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 7, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4730 1332 1356 1419 C2.3 (April 7, 2026) 4.7E-03
South of Sumatra M 5.0 13:40 UT
4740 1536 1544 1546 C1.2 (April 7, 2026) 6.2E-04
4760 1815 1832 1847 C5.7 (April 7, 2026) 6.8E-03
Molucca M 4.0 18:15 UT
4770 2040 2052 2100 C1.3 (April 7, 2026) 1.3E-03
Off coast of Oregon M 4.0 20:49 UT
4790 2204 2212 2225 C1.1 (April 7, 2026) 1.3E-03
North Island, NZ M 3.4 22:03 UT
4800 2310 2320 2326 C2.4 (April 7, 2026) 1.8E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled April 8-9 minor storms April 10. Solar M-flare chance: 35% X-class: 10% proton storm: 10%
AP Indicies: global: 9, high: 6, mid-latitude: 7, time of max AP: 09:00 UT; Max AP: 3 Global Kp 3.33 0000-0300, April 7; Sunspot Number: 110; Radio Flux: 109
April 7, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.9 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge was not felt in this remote area.
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. It was the largest earthquake
in the world in the past 24 hours of this writing. The last earthquake
of M>=5.9 within about 200 km of this epicenter was catalogued by NEIC
as occurring on August 3, 2025 with M 6.4 and prior to that on December 12, 2018.
with M 6.3. At the time of the 2025 event this summary noted:
The M 6.8 in the Kuril Islands followed an M 6.4 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, an event which was not reported felt.
It occurred at the third node (120 degrees) from the event in the South Pacific
40 minutes and 45 seconds later. Several reflected S-seismic phases may have
been in the area of the Kuril Islands at the time of the M 6.8 there today.
A foreshock of M 5.2 occurred in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge two hours before
the mainshock. This event may have been promoted by SFE from the strongest solar flare in
the past week - a C3.4 which began at the same time ...
This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter in the
Pacific-Antarctic Ridge since an M 6.7 on May 19, 2015. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest of these events was an M 6.7 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge.
This is a remote oceanic ridge and no tsunami or felt effects were expected
or observed. This is a very large event for this ridge, which generally
supports strike-slip events with some volcanism. It is the strongest earthquake
to hit within about 500 km of this epicenter in at least 25 years." (May 19, 2015, August 3, 2025)
This epicenter is at 100 degrees from the Molucca Sea; 143 degrees from the North Geomagnetic
Pole and the eighth node (45 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic pole and may
have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 06APR2026 11:18:37 55.0S 129.1W MW=5.9 EMSC PACIFIC-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
O: 06APR2026 07:18:37 55.0S 129.1W ML=5.9 NEIC PACIFIC-A
TARCTIC RIDGE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Lebanon was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Lebanon in Lebanaon at Ghazieh, Sidon, Beit ed Dine, Ra's Beirut, Baabda, Aaley, Jdaidet el Matn, Jounieh, and in Israel at Qiryat Yam, Haifa, Qiryat Mozqin, Karmi;el, Ramat Yohanan, Tiberias, and as far as Ad Dimas, and Qadsayya, Syria nearly 150 km from the epicenter.
This area has been subject to intense shaking with missile barrages every day since late
February, 2026 due to the ongoing war in the region. It is possible this event
in Lebanon was promted by some of this earth movement. The last earthquake in
Lebanon within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.5 occurred as an
M 4.8 on June 23, 2025. When a similar event occurred with M 4.7 on July 4, 2018 this summary noted:
"Seismicity in the area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea remained at high levels today.
This included an M 4.8 in the Dead Sea area of Israel, the strongest in the current
swarm and an M 5.0 in Albania, an unusually large quake for Albania.
The swarm of earthquakes in Israel in the Dead Sea area continued and enhanced today with
an M 4.8. NEIC reported it was felt in Israel in Hazafon with intensity IV in Eilabun, Yavne'el, Rame, Zefat, Rosh Pinna, Shagor, Hazor HaGelilit. Lesser shaking of II-III was felt in Israel at Nazerat Illit, Nazerat, Iksal, Sajur, Ilut, Karmiel, Neink Peqi'in, Sulam, Timrat, Kisra-Sumei, Afula, Jish, Tuba-Zangariyye, Hazor HaGelilit, Kefar Weradim, Qiryat Tiv'on, Yoqnw'qm Illit, in Haifa at Rekhasim, in Jordan at al-Mugayyir and al-Mansiyah, and in general within about 200 km of the epicenter. It was also reported felt in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan.
The last earthquake of M>=4.8 in the Dead Sea region was an M 5.1 on February 15, 2008
more than 10 years ago." (July 4, 2018)
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the Molucca Sea and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 06APR2026 07:52:16 33.6N 34.7E ML=4.5 EMSC LEBANON
O: 06APR2026 07:52:15 33.6N 34.8E MB=4.3 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 06APR2026 23:07:34 33.7N 34.9E Mc=3.2 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 06APR2026 23:09:34 33.7N 34.9E Mc=2.8 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
O: 07APR2026 00:12:54 33.8N 34.9E ML=2.7 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
An M 4.3 earthquake occurred today in southern New Mexico near the border
with western Texas. NEIC reported it was widely felt throughout much of central
New Mexico with IV in Artesia, Dexter, Carlsbad; III in Roswell, Eunice, Hagerman and III in Texas at El Paso and Lubbock.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Carlsbad, Livingston Wheeler, Loving.
NEIC reported an aftershock of M 2.7 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in Stanton and Midland.
The event of M 4.3 is the strongest quake within about 200 km of today's epicenter
since an M 5.4 on May 2, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.4 also occurred in western Texas today.
NEIC reported this earthquake was felt in Texas with V in Pyote, Dell City and IV in Denver City, Balmorhea, Gail, Grandfalls, Kermit, Gardendale, Odessa, Pecos, Anthony, Canutillo, El Paso; in New Mexico at Santa Teresa, Mesquite, Roswell, Carlsbad, Dexter, Haverman, Lake Arthur, Cloudcroft, Hondo and Lincoln and as far as Arizona. Intensity II-III was felt throughout most of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. It was also reported as far as New Jersey and Maryland.
Aftershocks were reported felt with intensity up to III in Texas at Odessa, El Paso, Casa Grande, and in New Mexico at Roswell, Artesia, Hagerman, Carlsbad.
This summary put this area under scrutiny several days ago when a series of
moderate quakes in western U.S. which included events of M 4.0 in Utah and
M 3.6 in northern New Mexico as well as smaller events in western Texas
all occurred near the third node from the M 6.8 near Macquarie Island. At the
time this summary noted this as:
"Node 3 (120 degrees)
Macquarie Is to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Western Texas, Utah, Southern Alaska" (April 29, 2025)
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas at Tarzan.
This epicenter is near the third node (120 degrees) from Macquarie Is. and may have been
promoted by energy from the M 6.8 there on April 29. Other earthquakes today
at the third node from Macquarie Island occurred as an M 2.4 and 2.2 in Washington
State; an M 3.0 in British Columbia, Canada, an M 4.8 in northern Iran, an M 3.5 in northern New Mexico,
and smaller events in western Texas." (May 1, 2025)
and
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 - 3.6 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in El Paso, Tarzan and possibly Lubbock, Texas.
This area of western Texas is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.8 in
Macquarie Island and the M 7.7 in Myanmar of March 28 and at the sixth node from the North Geomagnetic pole and
could be activated by the severe geomagnetic storm today. A larger earthquake
is likely in the next several days in this area." (May 3, 2025)
This area was also near local solar noon when the new moon of April 27 occurred
and may have been promoted by stresses with that tidal alignment as noted at
the time in this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on April 27, 2025 at 19:31 UT. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at this time are near 112W and those at local solar midnight near 68E. In the west these include western North America and portions of the East Pacific Rise and in the east portions of the central Indian Ocean and Central Asia near Hindu Kush, Pakistan and Afghanistan among others. These areas are most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. A large earthquake is possible in this time and tidal triggering is not limited to these regions but is most likely near local solar noon or local solar midnight." (April 27, 2025)
The only earthquake with M>=5.4 within about 200 km of this epicenter in
western Texas in the past 35 years occurred on November 16, 2022 also with
M 5.4.
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an 5.3-5.4 in western Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with
maximum intensity V in Texas at Barstow, and in Jal, New Mexico with intensity IV in Texas at Wink, Pecos, Salt Flat and III in Mentone, Loving, Pyote, Van horn among others.
It was followed by an aftershock of M 4.1 in Western Texas. NEIC reported it was felt with maximum intensity V in Pecos, Texas and IV in Odessa, Texas. Lesser intensity of II-III was reported felt in New Mexico at Carlsbad, Eunice, Artesia, Hobbs and in Texas at Fort Davis, Coyanosa, Odessa, Fort Stockton, among others and may have been felt as far as Oklahoma.
An M 3.8 aftershock was also felt in western Texas and New Mexico today. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in El Paso, Texas with III in Canutillo, Texas and in New Mexico at Carlsbad and Lovington.
The M 3.8 was preceded by a swarm of events of M 2.9, 3.5, 2.8... felt in the same area of Texas and New Mexico.
The last earthquake within about 250 km of today's epicenter with magnitude greater
than or equal to M 5.3 in Texas was an M 5.7 about 200 km to the southeast of
today's epicenter. That was the only such regional earthquake in western Texas
in at least 35 years." (November 16, 2022)
Today's earthquake in Texas is at the third node (120 degrees) from the M 6.8 in the
Macquarie Islands and at the sixth node from the North Geomagnetic pole (60 degrees)
and is likely to have been promoted by energy associated with these sources." (May 4, 2025)
O: 06APR2026 22:05:57 32.2N 101.8W ML=2.7 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 20:01:36 32.6N 104.4W ML=4.3 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 07APR2026 01:16:27 31.2N 103.2W ML=2.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 07APR2026 02:16:49 31.2N 103.2W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 19:05:46 31.5N 103.5W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 08:16:44 31.7N 104.1W ML=2.4 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 14:50:21 31.7N 103.8W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 19:42:48 31.7N 103.8W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 21:52:27 31.7N 103.8W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 07APR2026 06:37:33 31.7N 104.1W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 15:53:00 31.8N 103.8W ML=2.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 21:40:31 32.0N 103.8W ML=2.0 EMSC NEW MEXICO
O: 06APR2026 22:05:58 32.2N 101.8W ML=2.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 07APR2026 03:51:05 32.4N 101.0W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 06APR2026 20:01:36 32.6N 104.4W mb=4.3 EMSC NEW MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.0 in Baja California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Baja California in Southern California at Tecate, Spring Valley, La Mesa, Campo, Chula Vista, Lakeside, Jamul, Alpine.
EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in California at Alpine, Jamul, La Presa.
O: 06APR2026 21:06:33 32.7N 116.7W ML=2.9 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 06APR2026 21:06:33 32.7N 116.7W ML=3.0 NEIC BAJA CALIFORNIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Southern Iran was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Iran.
The event was probably felt with light to moderate intensity but no specifics
are available at this time. The epicenter is not far from the Strait of Hormuz
and shaking from the earthquake may have been mistaken for missile strikes.
It is possible that shaking associated with the current missile strikes in the
area helped create enough ground instability to trigger this earthquake.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
This is an active seismic area. The last earthquake of M>=4.5 within about 200 km
of today's event occurred as an M 5.0 on October 21, 2025
The last strong earthquake of M>=6 in the area was an M 6.2 on April 9, 2013.
(about 200 km south of today's epicenter). At the time this summary noted:
A strong earthquake of M 6.4 in southern Iran today was probably triggered
by tidal effects from the new moon alignment which is complete today (April 10)
at 0937 UT.
...
The earthquake of M 6.3 in Iran at 51E longitude clearly fits into this tidal triggering region and was
probably promoted by tidal forces. Tidal forces, while dominant in this case
were probably not the only ones involved in this earthquake. The strongest
solar flare of the day - a C2.9 (#2910 SWPC) occurred when this epicenter
was exactly sub-solar three hours before the M 6.4 earthquake. The earthquake,
however did not occur until a second flare of C1.9 occurred and maximized
several minutes before the earthquake in Iran occurred. Many of the strongest
aftershock in the first five hours were also closely related to the timing
of subsequent C-class solar flares. The maximum effect of a solar flare
occurs in areas which are in those areas which are sub- and anti-solar at
the time of the flare. A Gamma Ray Burst late on April 8, the first in 11
days may also have had some triggering effects. In recent months, GRB have
often been followed by strong earthquakes. This may be related to gravity
waves or other phenomena related to the GRB.
At least 37 people were killed in the Iranian earthquake today. More than 850 more
were injured and 100 hospitalized in this sparsely populated area of southern Iran. Reports indicate
a regional nuclear power plant at Bushehr, Iran about 100 km northwest of the epicenter was not damaged.
The plant was apparently offline at the time of the earthquake according to Russian officials.
Water and electricity was out throughout the epicentral area. The worst damage
appears to have been in the area of Kaki and Baghan. Three days of mourning
have been announced. The earthquake was felt in the Gulf of Bahrain, The United
Arab Emirates and Qatar as well as in Iran. NEIC reported intensity V in
the United Arab Emirates at Ash-Shariqah and II-III in Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
in Kuwait at Al-Kuwayt, Al-Manqaf, Al-Ahmadi, Farwaniya, Beneid al-Qar,
and Abrak. It was also felt in Saudi Arabia at Bani Ma'n, Damman, Jubail, and in Bahrain
at Amana, Al-Hidd, and in Qatar at Doha and Khor. In Iran intensity IV was
felt in Shiraz and I in Tehran. Aftershocks were felt in a similar region.
The strongest aftershock was an M 5.6 felt strongly in Fars, Iran and
in the epicentral area early on April 10. At least two villages were devastated
with one completely destroyed. Earthquakes in this area often do far more
damage than in other regions due to the mud-brick construction of many homes.
Landslides have begun to destroy buildings which withstood the quake.
Crowds have gather in the streets of Dashti and police have been dispatched
to restore order according to reports from Reuters. This is the strongest
earthquake in southern Iran since an M 6.5 on December 20, 2010 about 800
km to the east of today's epicenter. An M 6.3 hit in northwestern Iran
on August 11, 2012. No other events of larger size have hit Iran in the
past five years. It is the largest earthquake in southern Iran within
500 km of this epicenter in at least 23 years. The last regional event of larger
magnitude occurred on November 6, 1990 with M 6.6." (April 9, 2013)
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from Vanuatu and 105 degrees from TC Maila
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 07APR2026 07::39:36 30.0N 51.7E ML=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
O: 07APR2026 07:39:26 30.0N 51.7E MB=4.5 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:
TROPICAL CYCLONE VAIANU (31P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC VAIANU 2026-04-07 00:00 UT 20.0S 176.0E 115 kts Fiji Islands
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (31P) continued today in the area east of Fiji with winds up to 115 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Tonga and Fiji in the next several days. It is expected to track to the south reaching North Island, New Zealand around April 11-12 where some seismicity could be triggered at that time. The Antipode is at 20N 4W west of northern Africa - a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-07 00:00 UT 9.7S 156.0E 135 kts Solomon Islands
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region of the Solomon Islands with winds up to 135 kts. It is expected to move meander in the area for several more days with winds approaching 145 kts on April 8-9. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 7 and 11, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 10N 24W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 6, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4640 0508 0515 0529 C1.0 (April 6, 2026) 1.4E-03
Utah M 2.5 05:07 UT
Western Texas M 2.1 05:12 UT
Nevada M 2.4 05:12 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled April 7 quiet April 8-9. Solar M-flare chance: 40% X-class: 10% proton storm: 10%
AP Indicies: global: 10, high: 13, mid-latitude: 6, time of max AP: 10:00 UT; Max AP: 4 Global Kp 3.00 0400-0600, April 6; Sunspot Number: 112; Radio Flux: 116
April 6, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The strongest activity in the world today was a series of moderate to strong earthquakes in the Kermadec Islands, New Zealand.
These event of M 4.9, were not reported felt in this remote area but may be related to
the passage of TC 31P to the north at this time.
This series may have been promoted by solar flare 4590 a C1.1 flare which
occurred with the M 5.5 beginning of this swarm and near local solar midnight
in the Kermadec Islands.
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4590 1256 1300 1302 C1.1 (April 5, 2026) 4.2E-04
Kermadec Islands M 5.5 13:22 UT
These epicenters, like yesterday's events in Tajikistan, Hindu Kush, and the
South Indian Ridge are located at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the Molucca
Sea and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 06APR2026 06:15:25 32.0S 178.0W ML=5.2 NEIC KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 06APR2026 00:42:26 31.9S 178.1W ML=5.2 NEIC KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 05APR2026 17:20:47 32.1S 178.0W ML=5.4 NEIC KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 05APR2026 17:19:51 32.1S 178.1W ML=5.2 NEIC KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 05APR2026 17:10:41 31.9S 178.6W ML=5.1 NEIC KERMADEC ISLANDS A
O: 05APR2026 13:22:15 32.0S 178.9W ML=5.5 NEIC KERMADEC ISLANDS A
O: 05APR2026 17:10:42 32.0S 178.6W MB=5.1 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 06APR2026 06:15:25 32.0S 178.0W mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 05APR2026 13:22:14 32.1S 177.8W Mw=5.5 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 05APR2026 17:19:51 32.1S 177.9W mb=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 05APR2026 17:20:46 32.1S 177.8W Mw=5.4 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
O: 06APR2026 00:42:26 32.1S 178.0W Mw=5.2 EMSC SOUTH OF KERMADEC ISLANDS
An unusual earthquake of M 5.1 occurred today in the East Siberian Sea. It
was not reported felt in this remote area. The last earthquake of M>=5.1 within about 200 km of this
epicenter in the Siberian Sea occurred more than 35 years ago. There are no
catalogued earthquakes in hitory in this region with M>=5.1.
This epicenter is near the fourth node (90 degrees) from TC Vaianu and Vanuatu and
may have been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 06APR2026 00:53:21 72.7N 170.8E MB=5.1 EMSC EAST SIBERIAN SEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Central Vanuatu was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Vanuatu.
This event may have been promoted by the passage of TC 31P to the east of this epicenter
at the time of the earthquake occurrence as expected in the previous issue
of this summary.
"TC 31P 2026-04-05 00:00 UT 14.2S 171.0E 50 kts Northern Vanuatu Is.
Tropical Cyclone 31P continued today in the area of northern Vanuatu with winds up to 50 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Vanuatu in the next several days. The Antipode is at 14N 10W west of northern Africa - a non-seismic area." (April 5, 2026)
O: 06APR2026 08:19:52 15.1S 167.6E ML=4.5 NEIC VANUATU
O: 06APR2026 08:19:51 15.2S 167.7E MB=4.5 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in New Britain was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of New Britain.
This event may have been promoted by the passage of TC to the south of this epicenter
at the time of the earthquake occurrence as expected in the previous issue
of this summary.
"TC MAILA 2026-04-05 00:00 UT 9.0S 154.0E 80 kts New Britain
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region south of New Britain with winds up to 80 kts in the Dentrecasteaux Islands area. It is expected to move slowly in the area of New Britain and New Ireland over the next several days with winds approaching 140 kts on April 7. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 5 and 10, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 9N 26W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region." (April 5, 2026)
O: 06APR2026 08:27:49 4.6S 153.6E ML=4.8 NEIC NEW BRITAIN
O: 06APR2026 08:27:49 4.6S 153.6E MB=4.8 EMSC NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in Negros-Cebu, Philippines was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Negros-Cebu, Philippines with VI in the Visayaas at Malingin and V in Mano and IV in Calapi, Clarin, Mandawa, Danao, Isabel, Logon, Liloan, and Calero.
EMSC reported it was felt strongly in the area of central Philippines in Tubigagmanoc, Logon, Danao, Balamban, Mandaue City, Baugo, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Palimpas, Guadalupe, Tacloban, Bacolod City, Dimiao.
O: 06APR2026 07:22:42 10.9N 123.9E ML=5.2 NEIC MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES
O: 06APR2026 07:22:48 10.9N 124.0E MW=5.2 EMSC LEYTE, PHILIPPINES
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.2 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Riverside and Barstow.
O: 06APR2026 03:59:40 34.8N 116.4W ML=3.2 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 06APR2026 03:59:39 34.8N 116.4W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Hawaii was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii at Naalehu, Captain Cook, Kealakekua, Kailua Kona, Kamuela, Pepeekeo, Holualoa, Volcano, Mountain and Kahuku.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Hawaii at Honaunau-Napoopoo.
O: 05APR2026 21:41:53 19.2N 155.4W ML=4.0 NEIC HAWAII
O: 05APR2026 21:41:53 19.2N 155.4W ML=4.1 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Salinas, Seaside, San Juan Bautista and Gilroy.
O: 05APR2026 21:25:00 36.7N 121.5W ML=2.7 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 05APR2026 16:14:31 36.6N 121.2W MD=2.8 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 05APR2026 21:25:00 36.7N 121.5W MD=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 in the Geysers, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Geysers, California at Kelseyville.
O: 05APR2026 17:48:19 38.8N 122.8W ML=2.9 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in western Andreanof Islands, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of western Andreanof Islands, Alaska near Adak.
This was the strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today.
s epicenter is at 67 degrees (node 11) from TC VAIANu, Malaysia, Vanuatu and the Molucca Sea
and may have been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 05APR2026 09:19:38 51.4N 179.0W ML=4.6 NEIC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA
O: 05APR2026 09:19:38 51.2N 179.0W MB=4.6 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in Lubbock.
O: 05APR2026 08:35:29 31.6N 104.4W ML=3.6 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 05APR2026 08:35:29 31.6N 104.4W ML=3.7 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 2.3 and M 2.2 in North Carolina were felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of North Carolina in Randleman, High Point, Sophia, Greensboro, Trinity.
The last earthquake in North Carolina within about 150 km of today's epicenters were events
of M 2.3 about 100 km northwest of today's epicenter on June 18, 2024. The last earthquake
in the area of M>=3 occurred as an M 3.2 on June 5, 1998.
This epicenter is at the eighth node (135 degrees) from recent earthquake in
Molucca and Malaysia and may have been promoted by constructive energy
interference from those sources.
O: 05APR2026 14:46:33 35.9N 79.9W ML=2.3 NEIC NORTH CAROLINA
O: 05APR2026 18:46:34 35.8N 79.9W ML=2.3 EMSC NORTH CAROLINA
O: 05APR2026 18:15:41 35.8N 79.9W ML=2.2 EMSC NORTH CAROLINA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.9 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge was not felt in this remote area.
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. It was the largest earthquake
in the world in the past 24 hours of this writing. The last earthquake
of M>=5.9 within about 200 km of this epicenter was catalogued by NEIC
as occurring on August 3, 2025 with M 6.4 and prior to that on December 12, 2018.
with M 6.3. At the time of the 2025 event this summary noted:
The M 6.8 in the Kuril Islands followed an M 6.4 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, an event which was not reported felt.
It occurred at the third node (120 degrees) from the event in the South Pacific
40 minutes and 45 seconds later. Several reflected S-seismic phases may have
been in the area of the Kuril Islands at the time of the M 6.8 there today.
A foreshock of M 5.2 occurred in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge two hours before
the mainshock. This event may have been promoted by SFE from the strongest solar flare in
the past week - a C3.4 which began at the same time ...
This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter in the
Pacific-Antarctic Ridge since an M 6.7 on May 19, 2015. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest of these events was an M 6.7 in the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge.
This is a remote oceanic ridge and no tsunami or felt effects were expected
or observed. This is a very large event for this ridge, which generally
supports strike-slip events with some volcanism. It is the strongest earthquake
to hit within about 500 km of this epicenter in at least 25 years." (May 19, 2015, August 3, 2025)
This epicenter is at 100 degrees from the Molucca Sea; 143 degrees from the North Geomagnetic
Pole and the eighth node (45 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic pole and may
have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 06APR2026 07:18:37 55.0S 129.1W ML=5.9 NEIC PACIFIC-A
TARCTIC RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.3 in the Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Western Indian-Antarctic Ridgethe Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge.
This event may have been promoted by SFE from solar flare 4560 as it occurred
near the peak output of that C1.1 flare. Data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4560 0821 0829 0831 C1.1 (April 5, 2026) 7.0E-04
Intian Antarctic Ridge M 5.3 08:24 UT
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Rodotopi, Eleousa, Stavraki, Eksochi, Penteli, Ioannina, Anatoli, Paramythia, Arta and in Vlore, Albania.
O: 06APR2026 04:20:51 39.7N 20.7E ML=4.6 EMSC GREECE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Lebanon was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the eastern Mediterranean Sea near Lebanon in Lebanaon at Ghazieh, Sidon, Beit ed Dine, Ra's Beirut, Baabda, Aaley, Jdaidet el Matn, Jounieh, and in Israel at Qiryat Yam, Haifa, Qiryat Mozqin, Karmi;el, Ramat Yohanan, Tiberias, and as far as Ad Dimas, and Qadsayya, Syria nearly 150 km from the epicenter.
This area has been subject to intense shaking with missile barrages every day since late
February, 2026 due to the ongoing war in the region. It is possible this event
in Lebanon was promted by some of this earth movement. The last earthquake in
Lebanon within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=4.5 occurred as an
M 4.8 on June 23, 2025. When a similar event occurred with M 4.7 on July 4, 2018 this summary noted:
"Seismicity in the area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea remained at high levels today.
This included an M 4.8 in the Dead Sea area of Israel, the strongest in the current
swarm and an M 5.0 in Albania, an unusually large quake for Albania.
The swarm of earthquakes in Israel in the Dead Sea area continued and enhanced today with
an M 4.8. NEIC reported it was felt in Israel in Hazafon with intensity IV in Eilabun, Yavne'el, Rame, Zefat, Rosh Pinna, Shagor, Hazor HaGelilit. Lesser shaking of II-III was felt in Israel at Nazerat Illit, Nazerat, Iksal, Sajur, Ilut, Karmiel, Neink Peqi'in, Sulam, Timrat, Kisra-Sumei, Afula, Jish, Tuba-Zangariyye, Hazor HaGelilit, Kefar Weradim, Qiryat Tiv'on, Yoqnw'qm Illit, in Haifa at Rekhasim, in Jordan at al-Mugayyir and al-Mansiyah, and in general within about 200 km of the epicenter. It was also reported felt in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan.
The last earthquake of M>=4.8 in the Dead Sea region was an M 5.1 on February 15, 2008
more than 10 years ago." (July 4, 2018)
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the Molucca Sea and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 06APR2026 07:52:16 33.6N 34.7E ML=4.5 EMSC LEBANON
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 CYCLONE VAIANU (31P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC VAIANU 2026-04-06 00:00 UT 16.2S 173.0E 115 kts East of Central Vanuatu Is.
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu (31P) continued today in the area east of central Vanuatu with winds up to 115 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Vanuatu in the next several days. It is expected to track to the south reaching North Island, New Zealand around April 11-12 where some seismicity could be triggered at that time. The Antipode is at 16N 6W west of northern Africa - a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-06 00:00 UT 10.0S 155.0E 115 kts New Britain
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region south of New Britain with winds up to 115 kts in the Dentrecasteaux Islands area. It is expected to move slowly in the area of New Britain and New Ireland over the next several days with winds approaching 125 kts on April 7. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 5 and 10, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 9N 25W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 5, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4430 0151 0204 0230 C3.8 (April 5, 2026) 3.3E-03 *
4420 0021 0028 0033 C1.4 (April 5, 2026) 9.2E-04
4450 0323 0329 0334 C1.2 (April 5, 2026) 9.3E-04
4500 0334 0341 0350 C1.5 (April 5, 2026) 1.5E-03
Kuril Is. M 4.3 03:40 UT
4460 0355 0400 0404 C1.8 (April 5, 2026) 9.8E-04
4470 0420 0428 0444 C1.2 (April 5, 2026) 1.7E-03
4480 0501 0506 0512 C1.1 (April 5, 2026) 7.9E-04
4510 0535 0543 0553 C1.6 (April 5, 2026) 1.6E-03
4520 0559 0604 0606 C1.6 (April 5, 2026) 7.7E-04
4530 0641 0649 0654 C1.4 (April 5, 2026) 8.4E-04
Colorado M 3.2 06:54 UT
Guerrero M 4.2 06:55 UT
4540 0723 0729 0733 C1.0 (April 5, 2026) 5.7E-04
4560 0821 0829 0831 C1.1 (April 5, 2026) 7.0E-04
Indian Antarctic Ridge M 5.3 08:24 UT
Western Texas M 3.7 08:35 UT
Sicily M 3.5 08:35 UT
4580 1052 1104 1110 C1.3 (April 5, 2026) 1.1E-03
Molucca M 4.6 11:09 UT
4590 1256 1300 1302 C1.1 (April 5, 2026) 4.2E-04
Kermadec Islands M 5.5 13:22 UT
Xinjiang, China M 4.9 13:24 UT
4630 2339 2347 2354 C2.8 (April 5, 2026) 1.8E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled April 6-7 quiet April 8. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 15% proton storm: 15%
AP Indicies: global: 12, high: 26, mid-latitude: 8, time of max AP: 10:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 3.67 0000-0300, April 5; Sunspot Number: 112; Radio Flux: 118
April 5, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A moderately strong earthquake of M 5.5 occurred today in Central Australia.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Yulara Northern Territory, Australia.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle passed near this epicenter in late March, 2026 to the
west and may have promoted this earthquake today.
This is the strongest earthquake in Central Australia within about 200 km
of this epicenter since an M M 5.9 on May 20, 2016 - the only comparable
event in the region in at least 35 years. At the time this summary noted:
"An unprecedented earthquake of M 5.9-6.0 occurred today in the Northern Territory of Australia.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.9-6.0 in Northern Australia was felt with intensity V in the area(s) of Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia.
The timing of this earthquake on the day of the full moon and near local midnight
suggests tidal triggering was a motivating factor in the timing of this event.
Geomagnetic triggering is also a possibility but the epicenter lies on the
outer fringes of likely geomagnetic triggering at 15-20 degrees south of the
geomagnetic equator. Earthquakes in this area of Northern Territory, Australia
are not common but do occur from time to time. While no earthquakes of M>=5.9
have hit within about 500 km of this epicenter in the past 25 years, an M 5.4
did occur on June 9, 2013 about 300 km southeast of this epicenter. It appears
to have been an aftershock of a similar M 5.3 (some report this as an M 5.9-6.1) on March 23, 2012. Both of these
events occurred within a day of the new moon and tidal triggering is likely
in both cases, as in today's.
When the earthquake in March, 2012 this summary reported:
"Australia was hit today by the strongest earthquake to hit that continent
in the past 15 years. This event rattled a remote portion of the desert in Southern
Australia near Ernabella in the middle of Australia. The area is an indigenous
arts hub for about 500 Aboriginals and is just south of the border with
the Northern Territory. Strong shaking was reported from the
epicentral area but there were no immediate reports of damage. Many people
were frightened by the quake which lasted about 30 seconds and was recorded
by Geoscience Australia at M 6.1. Residents of Emabella rushed into the
streets during the earthquake. Foreshocks of M 4.3 and 3.8 hit the
area on March 15 and March 20 respectively. Those earthquakes were reported
to have been lightly felt in the region of Ernabella. It is the largest earthquake to hit Australia
since an M 6.3 in West Australia on August 10, 1997. That event hit off Collier Bay.
Geoscience Australia reported the quake was felt in Yulara near Uluru and weakly
in Alice Springs and as far as Coober Pedy. It is the second largest earthquake
ever recorded in South Australia. The largest was a M 6.5 near Beachport in the
south East in 1897 which caused chaos in the town of Kingston. A large earthquake
also hit South Australia in 1902. The area may have been stressed by Tropical
Cyclone Lua, the last tropical cyclone in the world. That cyclone dissipated
over this region of Australia last week. In our summary we noted this and
possible related seismicity as follows:
"Tropical Storm Lua made landfall today in western Australia to the east of
Port Hedland with winds up to 75 kts. It is expected to move quickly into
inland Australia and to dissipate over the next day. Some minor increases
in regional seismicity could occur ..." (March 18, 2012)" (March 24, 2012)
Today's earthquake is the strongest within Australia in at least 25 years.
As the epicenter was in the middle of the desert far from populated area,
there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties with this quake. The
nearest community is an indigenous settlement about 100 km from the epicenter.
NEIC reported this earthquake of M 5.9-6.0 in Northern Australia was felt with intensity V in the area(s) of Yulara, Northern Territory, Australia." (May 20, 2016)
Today's epicenter is at 36 degrees (node 10) from both Vanuatu and Malaysia and may have been
promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources.
O: 04APR2026 18:26:13 25.9S 130.8E ML=5.5 NEIC NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA
An M 5.5 earthquake also occurred today in Taiwan near Hualien City. NEIC reported it was widely felt i Taiwan with V in Hualien, III in Taipei, Hsinchu, Ilan, and Chiaya and II in Taichung.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Taiwan at Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan City.
The subsequent event of M 5.5 occurred about 72 minutes after this event in
Taiwan and may have been promoted at the seventh node (51 degrees) by energy from this
event in Taiwan.
O: 04APR2026 17:13:57 24.0N 121.6E ML=5.5 NEIC TAIWAN
The strongest earthquake of the day was n M 6.0 in the area about 500 km north of
the Molucca Sea quake of M 7.4 of April 1. It may have been promoted by stress
redistributioin from that event. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity VI in southern Mindanao at Davao, and III in Buayan and Katangawan and II in Manado Sulawesi, Indonesia.
EMSC reported moderate but long shaking the Philippines at General Santos and Klinan.
O: 04APR2026 10:34:31 4.9N 126.1E ML=6.0 NEIC TALAUD IS. PHILIPPINES
NEIC reported earthquake of M 2.7 and M 2.8 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Highland, Redlands, Loma Linda, Riverside, Grand Terrace and Yucaipa.
O: 04APR2026 09:24:20 34.0N 117.1W ML=2.7 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 04APR2026 09:07:56 34.0N 117.1W ML=2.8 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Mentone, Yucaipa, Banning, Palm Desert San Jacinto with III and in Rancho Mirage, Victorville, Menifee, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs with II.
O: 04APR2026 23:37:55 34.0N 116.9W ML=3.3 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska at Homer.
O: 05APR2026 00:52:06 59.6N 152.5W ML=3.6 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Ecuador was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Ecuador in Guayas at Santa Lucia and Guayaquil and in Latacunga Cotopaxi.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Ecuador at Guayaquil, and Eloy Alfaro.
O: 04APR2026 12:23:38 2.3S 80.4W ML=4.9 NEIC ECUADOR
The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 4.5 in the Rat Islands, Aleutians.
NEIC reported t may have been felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Rat Islands.
O: 04APR2026 09:39:52 51.2N 178.8E ML=4.5 NEIC RAT ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Northern Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Chile in Tarapaca at Arica and Iquique.
O: 04APR2026 09:22:35 19.1S 70.5W ML=4.8 NEIC NORTHERN CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 off North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of North Island, New Zealand.
O: 04APR2026 08:12:51 35.4S 178.6E ML=5.0 NEIC OFF NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Northern Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Chile in Tarapaca at Arica and Iquique.
O: 04APR2026 09:22:35 19.1S 70.5W ML=4.8 NEIC NORTHERN CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 off North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of North Island, New Zealand.
O: 04APR2026 08:12:51 35.4S 178.6E ML=5.0 NEIC OFF NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Rodotopi, Newchoropoulo, Penteli, Ioannina, Anatoli, Paramythia.
O: 04APR2026 16:24:21 39.6N 20.6E ML=4.0 NEIC GREECE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in India was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of India in Koraput, Jeypore, Salur, Bhimunipatnam.
O: 04APR2026 18:01:01 18.6N 82.6E ML=4.4 NEIC INDIA
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 CYCLONE INDUSA (29P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC INDUSA 2026-04-05 00:00 UT 23.7S 70.3E 85 kts South Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Indusa (29P) continued in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 85 kts. It is tracking WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 24N 110W west of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time. This storm will pass over the antipode of the Gulf of California at 24-26S 108-110W (an active seismic area) as a moderately strong storm around April 5-6, 2026 and could trigger a moderate earthquake in the Gulf of California at that time.
TROPICAL CYCLONE 31P
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 31P 2026-04-05 00:00 UT 14.2S 171.0E 50 kts Northern Vanuatu Is.
Tropical Cyclone 31P continued today in the area of northern Vanuatu with winds up to 50 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Vanuatu in the next several days. The Antipode is at 14N 10W west of northern Africa - a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-05 00:00 UT 9.0S 154.0E 80 kts New Britain
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) continued today in the region south of New Britain with winds up to 80 kts in the Dentrecasteaux Islands area. It is expected to move slowly in the area of New Britain and New Ireland over the next several days with winds approaching 140 kts on April 7. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 5 and 10, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 9N 26W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 4, 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 0151 0204 0230 C3.8 (April 5, 2026) 3.3E-03 *
Bonin Is. M 5.1 02:17 UT
Chile M 4.1 01:58 UT
4210 0026 0041 0054 C2.3 (April 4, 2026) 3.3E-03
4220 0107 0117 0230 M7.5 (April 4, 2026) 3.6E-02 *
Sumatra M 4.4 01:14 UT
Molucca M 5.9 01:35 UT
4230 0251 0258 0302 C1.7 (April 4, 2026) 1.1E-03
Molucca M 4.9 02:53 UT
Central California M 2.3 02:54 UT
4240 0316 0330 0341 C2.2 (April 4, 2026) 2.8E-03
Honshu M 3.8 03:16 UT
El Salvador M 4.1 03:32 UT
4250 0419 0435 0451 C2.6 (April 4, 2026) 4.0E-03
4260 0549 0554 0558 C1.0 (April 4, 2026) 6.1E-04
Eastern Turkey M 5.1 05:52 UT
4270 0601 0614 0621 C2.9 (April 4, 2026) 2.5E-03
4280 0652 0701 0711 C2.2 (April 4, 2026) 2.4E-03
4290 0738 0758 0814 M1.7 (April 4, 2026) 2.1E-02
N. Island New Zealand M 5.0 08:12 UT
4320 1124 1134 1146 C1.2 (April 4, 2026) 1.4E-03
Central California M 2.2 11:27 UT
Bhutan M 4.3 11:30 UT
4330 1158 1211 1222 M1.2 (April 4, 2026) 1.2E-02
Southern California M 2.6 11:58 UT
Ecuador M 4.9 12:23 UT
South Island NZ M 3.6 12:11 UT
4350 1329 1339 1344 C1.7 (April 4, 2026) 1.3E-03
Kamchatka M 4.4 13:31 UT
4360 1500 1515 1535 C1.6 (April 4, 2026) 2.9E-03
4370 1618 1625 1632 C1.7 (April 4, 2026) 1.4E-03
New Ireland M 5.2 16:23 UT
Molucca Sea M 4.4 16:22 UT
Greece M 4.0 16:24 UT
4380 1702 1715 1724 C2.8 (April 4, 2026) 2.8E-03
Taiwan M 5.5 17:15 UT
Southern California M 2.1 17:23 UT
4390 1848 1900 1910 C1.7 (April 4, 2026) 1.9E-03
Molucca M 4.7 18:59 UT M 4.1 19:00 UT
Myanmar M 3.9 19:04 UT
4400 1935 1947 2005 C7.9 (April 4, 2026) 1.1E-02
Southern Alaska M 3.8 20:02 UT
4410 2254 2304 2314 M1.0 (April 4, 2026) 8.0E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: major storms April 4 active April 5 unsettled April 6. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 20% proton storm: 20%
AP Indicies: global: 49, high: 63, mid-latitude: 25, time of max AP: 18:00 UT; Max AP: 7 Global Kp 6.67 1600-1900, April 3; Sunspot Number: 113; Radio Flux: 128
April 4, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong geomagnetic storm occurred on April 3, 2026. The Planetary A value reached 49, the
second highest disturbance in the geomagnetic field in the past month, exceeded only on
March 22 when it reached 75. Planetary K-index reached 6.67 around 16:00-19:00 UT.
Changes in electron flux on GOES monitors indicate this storm occurred between about 16:00 and
17:00 UT. Earlier storms occurred near 07:30 UT and 05:00 UT but did not reach
the flux levels of the event around 16:00 UT. The GOES magnetometer shows a doubling
in the GOES-19 instrument beginning at 15:10 UT, mirrored by a concurrent increase in
Geomagnetic field strength on the GOES-18 magnetometer. This is the likely
commencement of this geomagnetic storm. Longitudes most likely to see
enhanced seismicity with the 07:30 UT storm include those near 70 degrees East
longitude including Afghanistan and Pakistan and Tajikistan. A correction to GOES
position (an arcjet) occurred around 09:30 UT and field strength was lowest for
the day at 10:25 UT on the GOES-18 magnetometer precisely at the time of
an M 5.5 in Tajikistan. Longitudes likely to see
accompanying seismic enhancement with the storm at 15:10 would be near 130 East
longitude in the east and 30 West longitude in the west and include central
Indonesia, Central Australia and much of the western Ring of fire on the
Pacific edge in the east. Elevated proton counts occurred throughout the day.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in Tajikistan was felt with intensity up to VII in the area(s) of Rasht, Tajikistan.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Tajikistan at Konibodom, Khujand, Dushanbe, in Almaty, Kazakshtan, in Uzbekistan at Salor, Qibray, Tashkent, Bektemir, Guliston, Olmaliq, Namangan, Andijon, and in Kyrgyzstan at Osh.
As noted above this earthquake also occurred during a geomagnetic storm
which peaked around 10:25 UT. This earthquake may also have been promoted by a C8.0 solar flare which peaked
at the time of this event. Preliminary data on this solar flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 1010 1025 1030 C8.0 (April 3, 2026) 7.5E-02 *
Tajikistan M 5.5 10:26 UT
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the Molucca Sea; at
104 degrees (node 7) from Vanuatu; the third node (120 degrees) from Tonga;
and the seventh node from the North Geomagnetic Pole, Malaysia and TC Indusa
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 03APR2026 10:26:42 38.9N 70.9E ML=5.5 NEIC TAJIKISTAN
O: 03APR2026 10:26:43 39.0N 71.0E MB=5.5 EMSC TAJIKISTAN
About six hours after the M 5.5 in Afghanistan an M 5.8 occurred in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan about 250 km
to the south of the Tajikistan epicenter on the border with Pakistan. NEIC reported it was felt in Pakistan's North-West Frontier at Mingaora and Mardan with IV and with III in Pakistan in Islamabad, Abottabad, and Rawalpindi; in Navoiy,, Uzbekistan; in India in Jammu and Kashmir at Baramula, Ramgarh, and in Kabul, Afghanistan.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Afghanistan at Baharak, Kunduz, Sar Kani, in Tajikistan at Rushon, Sheywah, Jalalabad, Khorugh, in Pakistan at Timargara, Chitral, in Tajikistan at Roghun among many others. It was felt as far as 1000 km from the epicenter in Jaipur, and Bhiwadi, India.
This earthquake is the strongest in Afghanistan or Pakistan within about 200 km
of this epicenter since an M 5.9 on October 16, 2024 concurrent with the full
moon at the same time. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong M 5.9 earthquake also occurred in the Hindu Kush Afghanistan region today. NEIC reported it was felt in Afghanistan at Kabul and in Pakistan in the North-West Frontier at Tall with intensity IV and intensity II-III in Wah Punjab, Abottabad, Baffa.
EMSC reported a strong earthquake in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi and Peshawar regions of Pakistan and in KAbul, Afghanistan and in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
A regional foreshock of M 4.6 was reported by EMSC to have been felt with minor shaking in Peshawar, Pakistan and Kabul, Afghanistan.
The last earthquake in the Hindu Kush area of Afghanistan within about 200 km
of today's epicenter with M>=5.9 occurred on January 11, 2024 with M 6.4. At
the time this summary noted in this regard:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.4-6.5 in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan. This intermediate focus earthquake (about 210 km depth) was widely felt. NEIC reported intensity up to V in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan at Jurm.
A foreshock of M 4.1 about two hours earlier was also felt with intensity V in Jurm, Afghanistan.
EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan in the communities of Kabul, Dushanbe, Peshawar, Swabi, Denov Tumani, Uzbekistan, Mansehra among others.
There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties although walls of a
number of houses in Sooch, Jurm were cracked." (January 11, 2024, October 16, 2024)
Today's earthquake in Afghanistan occurred shortly after a major geomagnetic
storm which reached k-index of 6.7 at the time of the earthquake and was probably
triggered by the shock wave of this storm (see above).
It is likely this earthquake was triggered by SFE from solar flare 4120 (C3.8) which
peaked with several minutes of this earthquake. Data on this flare from
SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4120 1550 1608 1612 C3.8 (April 3, 2026) 2.9E-03
Hindu Kush, Afghanistan M 5.8 16:12 UT
Like the earthquake in Tajikistan this epicenter is also at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from the Molucca Sea (an M 5.5 also occurred in the South Indian Ocean at the sixth node from Molucca today). It is also at node 4 (90 degrees) from TC Maila; the seventh node
(52 degrees) from Malaysia and the North Geomagnetic Pole and the seventh
node (104 degrees from Vanuatu and may have been promoted by
constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 03APR2026 16:12:53 36.6N 70.5E MW=5.8 EMSC HINDU KUSH REGION, AFGHANISTAN
O: 03APR2026 16:12:58 36.5N 70.8E ML=5.8 NEIC HINDU KUSH, AFGHANISTAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Eastern Turkey was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Eastern Turkey with V in Ercis, and IV in Van.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in eastern Turkey at Ercis, Dorutay, Van, Edremit, Tatvan, and Akca and in Armenia at Yerevan and K'anak'erravan.
The last earthquake greater magnitude in eastern Turkey within about 200 km of this epicenter
occurred on March 24, 2023 more than three years ago. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was a strong M 5.9 near the Turkey-Iran border in the area of Azerbaijan. NEIC reported it was felt with damage with intensity VIII in Azerbaijan, Iran in Khoi, Dilman; V in Tebriz, IV inOrumiyeh, Ardakan, Yaed, Chalus, Mazandaran and II in Merand with intensity IV in Yerevan, Armenia.
Iranian state media reported some homes were destroyed and that the "amount of destruction of some houses and buildings in
the city of Khoy city is relative high". News reported at least 300 injured including
122 in the city of Khoy - a toll which included three deaths. Emergency teams were
dispatched to the area which was in the midst of a strong winter storm with sub-zero
temperatures and power outages at the time of the earthquake. This event appears to continue enhanced seismicity with strong tidal stresses
associated with the new moon of January 21 as it occurred near the longitude
of maximum tidal stress with that alignment as defined in previous issues of this
summary:
...
The last earthquake of M 5.9 within about 200 km of today's mainshock was an
M 6.0 on February 23, 2020. The only other event of M>=5.9 in this region
in the past 35 years was an M 7.1 on October 23, 2011. At the time of the M 6.0
in February, 2020 this summary noted:
"This area of Turkey-Iran border first became active on February 16, 2020 with an
M 4.8 foreshock. The last earthquake within about 200 km of today's M 6.0 with equal
or larger magnitude occurred on August 11, 2012 with M 6.3 and 6.4 about 200 km east of today's
epicenter. The only other such event in the region in the past 30 years was an
M 7.1-7.3 on October 23, 2011." (February 24, 2020, March 24, 2023)
This epicenter like Hindu Kush is located at the seventh node from the
North Geomagnetic Pole (52 degrees) and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Malaysia and may
have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 04APR2026 05:52:43 38.8N 43.5E MW=5.1 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
O: 04APR2026 05:52:42 38.9N 43.5E ML=5.1 NEIC EASTERN TURKEY
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in the Mid-Indian Ridge was not felt in the region of the Mid-Indian Ridge today.
The last earthquake in the mid-Indian Ridge with M>=5.5 within about 200 km
of this epicenter occurred on April 17, 2020 - the only such event in the
past 35 years.
Today's earthquake was probably triggered by passage of Tropical Cyclone Indusa
over the epicenter at the time of the earthquake occurrence. This summary had noted
this possibility in the previous issue as:
"Tropical Cyclone Indusa (29S) continued in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 70 kts. It is tracking WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 15N 107W south of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time. This storm will pass over the antipode of the Gulf of California at 24-26S 108-110W (an active seismic area) as a moderately strong storm around April 5-6, 2026 and could trigger a moderate earthquake in the Gulf of California at that time." (April 3, 2026)
and in the current issue as:
"TC INDUSA 2026-04-04 00:00 UT 22.2S 70.0E 85 kts South Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Indusa (29P) continued in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 85 kts. It is tracking WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 20N 110W west of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time. This storm will pass over the antipode of the Gulf of California at 24-26S 108-110W (an active seismic area) as a moderately strong storm around April 5-6, 2026 and could trigger a moderate earthquake in the Gulf of California at that time." (April 3-4, 2026)
Like the earthquakes in Hindu Kush and Tajikistan (see above) this epicenter
is also at the sixth node from the Molucca Sea and also at the sixth node from
the South Geomagnetic Pole (60 degrees) and at the fourth node from Vanuatu (90 degrees)
and was probably promoted by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 04APR2026 04:55:32 21.9S 68.9E MB=5.5 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 04APR2026 04:55:32 21.9S 68.9E ML=5.5 NEIC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.9 aftershock in Molucca Sea,
Indonesia. It was felt with intensity III in Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia and
is an aftershock of the M 7.4 of April 1, 2026. Like many of the other
major aftershocks in this sequence this event occurred near local solar noon and
may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
Following is a listing of aftershocks in Molucca Sea which have occurred since
the last summary. Only event of M>=5 are listed here but a more extensive listing
can be found in the data section of this summary.
O: 04APR2026 01:35:00 1.1N 126.1E ML=5.9 NEIC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 04APR2026 01:35:00 1.1N 126.1E mb=5.9 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 10:59:09 1.5N 126.4E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 21:19:06 1.5N 126.3E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in Jal New Mexico.
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from Molucca and at 104 degrees
from TC Maila and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 03APR2026 22:13:05 32.0N 103.3W ML=3.5 NEIC NEW MEXICO
O: 03APR2026 22:13:05 32.0N 103.3W ML=3.2 EMSC NEW MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of off the coast of Northern California in Arcata and Carlotta.
O: 03APR2026 15:46:19 40.4N 124.3W ML=2.9 NEIC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California with intensity III in Gilroy and II in Santa Clara, Modesto, Scotts Valley and San Martin.
EMSC reported a slight jolt in Interlaken, California jolted homes.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably
triggered by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. An M-class solar flare
began simultaneously with this earthquake. Preliminary data for this flare
from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4010 0750 0800 0815 M1.3 (April 3, 2026) 4.0E-03 *
Northern California M 2.7 07:51 UT
An earthquake of M 2.3 in San Francisco, California was also reported felt near local
noon on April 3, 2026. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in San Leandro and Hayward and II in Castro Valley, Daly City, and Santa Clara, California. EMSC reported it shook buildings in Hayward, California. This was likely triggered by SFE from solar flare 4180 which
peaked at the time of this earthquake. Data for this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4180 2125 2134 2142 C2.3 (April 3, 2026) 2.4E-03
Lake Baykal M 3.9 21:37 UT
San Francisco M 2.3 21:31 UT
O: 03APR2026 07:51:31 37.0N 121.6W ML=2.7 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 08:41:26 37.1N 122.1W MW=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 18:24:48 36.4N 121.0W MD=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 03APR2026 07:51:31 37.0N 121.6W MD=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 03APR2026 21:31:46 37.7N 122.1W MD=2.3 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Southern Sumatra Indonesia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Sumatra in Biha.
O: 03APR2026 12:16:04 5.6S 103.3E ML=4.3 EMSC SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Stavraki, Ioannina, Iliokali, Corfu, Kompitsion and in Vlor, Albania.
O: 03APR2026 14:22:18 39.7N 20.6E ML=4.4 EMSC GREECE
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 CYCLONE INDUSA (29P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC INDUSA 2026-04-04 00:00 UT 22.2S 70.0E 85 kts South Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Indusa (29P) continued in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 85 kts. It is tracking WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 20N 110W west of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time. This storm will pass over the antipode of the Gulf of California at 24-26S 108-110W (an active seismic area) as a moderately strong storm around April 5-6, 2026 and could trigger a moderate earthquake in the Gulf of California at that time.
TROPICAL CYCLONE 31P
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 31P 2026-04-04 00:00 UT 12.2S 169.0E 50 kts Northern Vanuatu Is.
Tropical Cyclone 29S formed today in the area of northern Vanuatu with winds up to 50 kts. It is tracking SE and could help promote seismicity in the region of Vanuatu in the next several days. The Antipode is at 13N 11W west of northern Africa - a non-seismic area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE MAILA (30P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC MAILA 2026-04-04 00:00 UT 9.0S 155.0E 70 kts New Britain
Tropical Cyclone Maila (30P) formed today in the region south of New Britain with winds up to 70 kts in the Dentrecasteaux Islands area. It is expected to move slowly in the area of New Britain and New Ireland over the next several days with winds approaching 140 kts on April 6. This is an active seismic area and a strong earthquake is considered likely in this area between April 5 and 10, 2026 (with lesser likely in the several days following this) as this storm passes through the area. The antipode at 9N 25W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 3, 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 0151 0204 0230 C3.8 (April 5, 2026) 3.3E-03 *
4220 0107 0117 0230 M7.5 (April 4, 2026) 3.6E-02 *
3960 2353 2358 0004 C1.5 (April 2, 2026) 1.1E-03
3970 0040 0107 0130 C7.0 (April 3, 2026) 6.3E-03 *
Fiji M 4.3 00:49 UT
0980 0324 0332 0340 C2.3 (April 3, 2026) 1.1E-03 *
Molucca M 5.4 03:37 UT
4010 0745 0856 0815 M1.3 (April 3, 2026) 4.0E-03 *
Northern California M 2.7 07:51 UT
4030 1003 1017 1030 C7.8 (April 3, 2026) 4.9E-03 *
Tajikistan M 5.5 10:26 UT
3990 0520 0542 0545 C6.0 (April 3, 2026) 3.5E-03
4020 0903 0913 0916 C1.5 (April 3, 2026) 1.1E-03
4050 1106 1109 1114 C3.4 (April 3, 2026) 1.5E-03
4060 1153 1200 1204 C3.5 (April 3, 2026) 1.7E-03
4080 1219 1228 1234 C5.2 (April 3, 2026) 3.5E-03
4090 1246 1250 1252 M1.3 (April 3, 2026) 3.4E-03
4110 1427 1434 1438 C1.3 (April 3, 2026) 9.1E-04
4120 1550 1608 1612 C3.8 (April 3, 2026) 2.9E-03
Hindu Kush, Afghanistan M 5.8 16:12 UT
4140 1731 1736 1739 C1.7 (April 3, 2026) 7.1E-04
4150 1917 1921 1924 C4.9 (April 3, 2026) 1.7E-03
NW Iran M 2.3 19:18 UT
4170 2006 2013 2020 C2.1 (April 3, 2026) 1.5E-03
Chiapas M 4.0 20:12 UT
4180 2125 2134 2142 C2.3 (April 3, 2026) 2.4E-03
Lake Baykal M 3.9 21:37 UT
San Francisco M 2.3 21:31 UT
4200 2142 2202 2211 C5.8 (April 3, 2026) 7.3E-03
Veracruz M 4.1 21:53 UT
Halmahera M 4.0 22:06 UT
4190 2336 2345 2348 C1.7 (April 3, 2026) 9.1E-04
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: major storms April 4 active April 5 unsettled April 6. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 20% proton storm: 20%
AP Indicies: global: 49, high: 63, mid-latitude: 25, time of max AP: 18:00 UT; Max AP: 7 Global Kp 6.67 1600-1900, April 3; Sunspot Number: 152; Radio Flux: 140
A strong geomagnetic storm occurred on April 3, 2026. The Planetary A value reached 49, the
second highest disturbance in the geomagnetic field in the past month, exceeded only on
March 22 when it reached 75. Planetary K-index reached 6.67 around 16:00-19:00 UT.
Changes in electron flux on GOES monitors indicate this storm occurred between about 16:00 and
17:00 UT. Earlier storms occurred near 07:30 UT and 05:00 UT but did not reach
the flux levels of the event around 16:00 UT. The GOES magnetometer shows a doubling
in the GOES-19 instrument beginning at 15:10 UT, mirrored by a concurrent increase in
Geomagnetic field strength on the GOES-18 magnetometer. This is the likely
commencement of this geomagnetic storm. Longitudes most likely to see
enhanced seismicity with the 07:30 UT storm include those near 70 degrees East
longitude including Afghanistan and Pakistan and Tajikistan. Those likely to see
accompanying seismic enhancement with the storm at 15:10 would be near 130 East
longitude in the east and 30 West longitude in the west and include central
Indonesia, Central Australia and much of the western Ring of fire on the
Pacific edge in the east.
April 3, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong geomagnetic storm began about 04:45 UT on April 3 and maximized at about
08:30 UT with an increase in GOES electron flux measurements. GOES-18 magnetometer
showed this commencement around 07:30-09:00 UT on April 3. Areas near local
solar noon at this time are near 60 East and those at local solar midnight
are near 120 W and include California and the western U.S. and Iran among others.
Some immediate seismic enhancement is possible at the beginning of this storm.
The full moon arrived on April 2, 2026 at 02:12 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 30 West while those at local solar noon are near 150 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of central and eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered likely (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this full moon in the next several days with most likely probability in Indonesia and regions of Japan.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California with intensity III in Gilroy and II in Santa Clara, Modesto, Scotts Valley and San Martin.
EMSC reported a slight jolt in Interlaken, California jolted homes.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was probably
triggered by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects. An M-class solar flare
began simultaneously with this earthquake. Preliminary data for this flare
from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0750 0800 0815 M1.3 (April 3, 2026) 1.3E-02 *
Northern California M 2.7 07:51 UT
O: 03APR2026 07:51:31 37.0N 121.6W ML=2.7 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 08:41:26 37.1N 122.1W MW=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 18:24:48 36.4N 121.0W MD=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 03APR2026 07:51:31 37.0N 121.6W MD=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
The M 4.6 in the San Francisco Bay area was discussed in an update to the
previous issue of this summary in part as:
"A moderate earthquake of M 4.6-5.1 hit the east San Francisco Bay area of California today. NEIC reported more than 25,000 responses to their DYFI web application. These included intensity IV in California at Boulder Creek, V in Ben Lomond, La Honda, Santa Cruz, Los Gatos, Felton, Fremont, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, San Leandro, Pinole, and as far as 150 km from the epicenter.
EMSC reported it was very strongly felt in northern California in Ben Lomond, Lompico, Felton, Boulder Creek, Scotts Valley, Pasatiempo, Lexington Hills, Santa Cruz, Live Oak, Twin Lakes, Soquel, Capitola, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Cambrian Park, Day Valley, Campbell, Cupertino, Seven Trees and as far as 150 km from the epicenter in Rohnert Park and Kenwood, California.
Initial reports gave the event magnitude up to M 5.1 but this was subsequently
reduced. This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight - a
common theme (along with local solar noon events) for earthquakes recently
in the area. This suggests tidal and/or geomagnetic effects (which maximize
near this hour) are prominent in triggering regional earthquakes in this area.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since
an M 5.1 on October 25, 2022 and prior to that an M 5.5 on October 31, 2007.
It does not appear to be part of the series of events near San Ramon as
it occurred nearly 100 km south of those epicenters but may be related
to the same regional stress regime. At the time of the October, 2022 event
this summary reported:
"The strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today was an M 5.1 south of San Francisco, California. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity V in Central California at San Jose with IV in Mount Hamilton, Coyote, and as far as Southern California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Arizona among others.
While minor damage was common throughout the San Jose to San Francisco area, no
major damage was reported and few injuries were reported by the press.
More than 100,000 people in the area reported to USGS that they felt this earthquake.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and it was probably
promoted by high tidal stresses associated with today's new moon as suggested
in previous issues of this summary. On October 18, 2022, this summary noted
this likelihood as:
"A major earthquake of M 7.1 hit the area of San Francisco and Central California
three solar cycles ago (33 years) at the start of the strong solar activity in
that cycle. That event was probably promoted by several X-class - some of the
strongest in that solar cycle. It also may have been promoted by strong tidal stresses
at that time. ...
It is not uncommon for enhanced seismicity in Central California in mid- to late-
October. A series of strong earthquakes hit this area in mid- to late 1860's
followed ll30-40 years later by the great San Francisco earthquake of April, 2006,
so the area may be reaching stresses which might induce a new strong earthquake
in the next several years. This pattern of seismicity in mid- to late October in
this area may related to weather patterns at this time of year and has included
several strong to major events in the region in the past 40 years. A major flare
such as may occur around October 20 could trigger enhanced seismicity in California
at this time. This could be reinforced by strong tidal stresses with the coming
new moon of October 25, 2022. No seismic watch is currently in effect for
California, but watch for changes in the coming days." (October 18, 2022)
The tidal seismicity forecast published in this and previous issues of this summary
had noted:
"The new moon will arrive on October 25, 2022 at 11:01 UT. This is a partial solar eclipse which will be visible in portions of the north Atlantic, Europe, Asia and Africa. Longitudes which are at local solar noon at the peak of this eclipse are near 15 East while those at local solar midnight are near 165 West. In the east these include areas of central Europe including Mt. Etna and Stromboli in Italy and the areas of Iceland and the Reykjanes Ridge in the north Atlantic and portions of Greece and in the west the central Aleutians and Hawaii. Regions in the southern Hemisphere including Tonga, Samoa and Fiji and the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic may also see tidal enhancement. These regions may see significant seismic enhancements with this new moon. Other areas where fluids are involved in seismicity may also see increased seismicity near local solar noon or midnight. The chances of a tidally-related strong to major earthquake during the next week is considered to be high." (October 22-25, 2022)
Another actor promoting this earthquake at this time was a Tropical Cyclone making slope-fall off
Virginia at this time. This summary had noted the possible effect on the western
edge of the North American plate in the previous issues as:
"A tropical cyclone may be forming in the North Atlantic east of Georgia and South Carolina. This system is expected by NHC to reach Tropical Depression status in the next day at 40% likelihood. It is not expected to make landfall but is near the continental slope and could affect seismicity in the western North American Plate. This system is currently near 35N 65W." (October 23-24, 2022)
The last earthquake in the San Jose/San Francisco, California area with equal
or larger magnitude than M 5.1 occurred on October 31, 2007 with M 5.5. Other
earthquakes of M>=5 hit the area with M 5.2 on August 12, 1998, January 16, 1993 and April 18, 1990.
At the time of the M 5.5 on October 31, 2007 this summary noted in this regard:
"A strongly felt earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay region tonight with M 5.6. ... The earthquake in the San Francisco Bay region was preceded several hours earlier by an event of M 2.9 which hit to the northwest and may have set up the conditions for the larger earthquake. ... The earthquake was generally felt within about 300 km of the epicenter with lesser intensities. This was the strongest earthquake to hit the San Francisco area since the World Series earthquake in October, 1989 (M 7.0). While pictures fell from walls and items fell from shelves throughout much of the area no immediate reports of major damage or casualties were available. The earthquake appears to have occurred on the Calaveras Fault. A contributing factor for the occurrence of this earthquake at this time may have been the strong geomagnetic storms which occurred late on October 25 and again this morning. The storms occurred while San Francisco was sub-solar and the effects were maximized. It is common for storms such as this to have their maximum effect on seismicity 4.5-5.0 days following the onset. The earthquake in San Francisco did occur five days after the onset of this storm which was the strongest to occur at mid-latitudes in the past month and the second strongest to occur in the past three months (Kp 36)." (October 31, 2007)
Note that the geomagnetic conditions at the time of the October, 2007 quake were similar to
those occurring with today's event.
Today's mainshock occurred within minutes of local solar noon with the new moon
and eclipse. It was probably triggered by high tidal stresses which maximize
near this hour." (October 25, 2022)
This epicenter is at 106 degrees from the M 7.4 in the Molucca Sea earlier
in the day (see below). Body waves from major earthquakes such as this
are reflected and refracted off the core-mantle boundary and return to
the surface at this distance (called the shadow zone boundary distance).
It is likely that these waves helped trigger today's earthquake near San
Francisco, California as was noted in previous issues of this summary
in the far-field expectations after the Molucca Sea quake as:
"Inner shadow zone edge (101-110 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Idaho, Los Angeles, Vancouver B.C., Oregon, Washington, San Francisco, ..." (April 1-2, 2026)
A similar situation occurred on April 18, 1990 when a series of moderate earthquakes
hit about 40 km southeast of today's epicenter with magnitudes of 5.0, 5.4 and 5.2 among others.
These event followed an M 7.8 in Sulawesi/Molucca Sea area of Indonesia
seconds after the mainshock and were reported in this summary as:
" 4 18 13 39 19 1990 1.186 122.857 26 7.4 Celebes Sea
At least 3 people killed and 25 people injured. More than 1140 houses were damaged in the Balaan area. Felt strongly throughout the Minahassa area. Followed by a possibly p-wave triggered shock of Ml 5.4 in Central California which did extensive damage in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area." (April 18, 2025)
The earthquakes in Molucca and San Francisco on April 18, 1990 were at 109 degrees
distance and the largest were separated by 14 minutes 32 seconds just as the
P-waves from Molucca arrived in northern California. A significant case
of triggering at a distance and very similar to the current situation.
O: 18APR1990 13:39:19 1.2N 122.9E MW=7.4 NEIC MOLUCCA/CELEBES INDONESIA
O: 18APR1990 13:41:39 36.9N 121.7W MW=5.0 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 18APR1990 13:53:51 36.9N 121.7W MW=5.4 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 18APR1990 15:46:04 36.9N 121.7W MW=5.2 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
A moderate geomagnetic storm was in progress when this earthquake occurred
with global K-index reaching 5.33 the first G1 global storm since March 22, 2026
when a K index of 6.67 was reached. The GOES-19 magnetometer reached a 7-day low
in the geomagnetic field of about 35 nT at 08:40 UT, the time of the earthquake
in Central California. X-ray flux data was unavailable." (April 2, 2026)
O: 02APR2026 08:41:26 37.1N 122.1W ML=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 08:41:26 37.1N 122.1W MW=4.6 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 18:24:48 36.4N 121.0W MD=2.2 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 03APR2026 07:51:31 37.0N 121.6W MD=2.7 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an aftershock of M 5.4 in the Molucca Sea was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of the Molucca Sea.
Like an M 6.0 the day before this earthquake occurred within a couple
of minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted by tidal
and/or geomagnetic stresses. A C2.7 solar flare began simultaneously
with this earthquake. Preliminary data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0335 0340 0350 C2.7 (April 3, 2026) 2.5E-02 *
Molucca M 5.4 03:37 UT
This is one of the strongest aftershocks of the M 7.4 earthquake in Molucca Sea
of April 1, 2026. The importance of the timing was discussed in the previous
issue of this summary when the M 6.0 aftershock occurred on April 2 as:
"The strongest aftershock of the M 7.4 mainshock at this writing occurred
as an M 6.2. This followed an M 5.7 six minutes earlier. The M 6.2 was felt with intensity II in Manado, Sulawesi according to data from NEIC. This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was
probably promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
This epicenter was exactly sub-solar at the time of its occurrence. On
April 2, 2026 the sub-solar latitude (the latitude at which the sun is directly
overhead at local solar noon) is 2 degrees north. This summary has argued
in the past that vertical tidal forces are maximized near this latitude
at this time of year and can help increase the size or likelihood of
seismicity at this time. This apparently occurred in the case of the
Molucca Sea quake today." (April 2, 2026)
It is also important to note that the full moon was completed within an hour
of the timing of the M 6.0 aftershock (see above) and tidal effects from
that alignment probably helped trigger the mainshock and major aftershocks
at local solar noon and midnight.
The strongest aftershocks in the Molucca Sea since last report were an M 5.9 and M 5.8.
They were reported lightly felt and occurred near local solar midnight on April 2.
These occurred near the peak of solar flare 3930 (C3.9) and may have
been promoted by SFE from that flare. Data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3930 1301 1459 1556 C3.9 (April 2, 2026) 2.1E-02
Molucca Sea M 4.9 13:03 UT M 5.8 14:35 UT, M 5.9 14:13 UT
San Francisco M 2.5 13:13 UT
This activity is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Tonga and at the
eighth node (45 degrees) from Vanuatu and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
Following is a listing of aftershocks of M>=5 today in the Molucca Sea.
A more complete listing can be found in the data section of this summary.
O: 03APR2026 03:37:16 1.0N 126.4E ML=5.4 NEIC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 14:34:59 1.2N 126.4E ML=5.8 NEIC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 14:13:19 1.2N 126.3E ML=5.9 NEIC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 01:44:13 1.0N 126.5E mb=5.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 03:37:16 1.0N 126.4E mb=5.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 08:38:59 1.1N 126.2E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 18:46:14 1.1N 126.3E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 14:34:59 1.2N 126.5E Mw=5.8 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 16:10:28 1.2N 126.3E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 07:04:14 1.3N 126.5E mb=5.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 14:13:51 1.3N 126.5E Mw=5.9 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 00:22:16 1.3N 126.6E Mw=5.6 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 00:32:57 1.3N 126.6E mb=5.3 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 08:52:07 1.4N 126.3E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 11:34:48 1.4N 126.4E mb=5.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 11:35:36 1.4N 126.3E mb=5.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 03APR2026 04:42:05 1.4N 126.2E mb=5.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 15:34:24 1.5N 126.5E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
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 in Nice and Lucerne.
O: 03APR2026 00:57:12 39.3N 122.8W ML=3.0 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 03APR2026 00:57:12 39.3N 122.8W MD=3.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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 Oakland, Livermore, San jose, Lafayette, Concord, Richmond, and San Francisco.
O: 02APR2026 13:13:45 38.1N 121.9W ML=2.5 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 13:13:45 38.1N 121.9W MD=2.5 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Fiji was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Fiji near Levuka.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses. It may have been triggered
by SFE from a strong C7.0 solar flare which began simultaneously with
this earthquake occurrence. Data from SWPC for this flare follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0040 0100 0130 C7.0 (April 3, 2026) 6.5E-02 *
Fiji M 4.3 00:49 UT
This epicenter is at 102-104 degrees from TC Indusa and the North Geomagnetic
Pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from
those sources.
O: 03APR2026 00:49:15 18.0S 178.6W ML=4.3 NEIC FIJI
O: 03APR2026 00:49:12 18.0S 178.6W MB=4.3 EMSC FIJI REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Summerland, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara.
O: 02APR2026 23:43:29 34.4N 119.5W ML=2.5 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 02APR2026 23:43:29 34.4N 119.5W ML=2.5 EMSC SANTA BARBARA CHANNEL, CALIF.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Southern Vanuatu was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Vanuatu near Isangel.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted
by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
The event may have been promotedby solar flare 3950 (C1.6) which was nearing
its completion when this earthquake occurred. Data from SWPC for this
solar flare follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3950 2308 2315 2320 C1.6 (April 2, 2026) 1.4E-03
Vanuatu M 5.4 23:22 UT
This epicenter is at the eighth and fourth node (90 and 45 degrees) from
TC Indusa and the Molucca Sea respectively and at the sixth node
from Malaysia and the seventh node from the South Geomagnetic Pole and
the seventh node from the North Geomagnetic Pole (51 and 104 degrees)
and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from those
sources.
O: 02APR2026 23:22:14 18.9S 169.5E ML=5.4 NEIC SOUTHERN VANUATU
O: 02APR2026 23:22:13 19.0S 169.5E MW=5.4 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in Tajikistan was felt with intensity up to VII in the area(s) of Rasht, Tajikistan.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Tajikistan at Konibodom, Khujand, Dushanbe, in Almaty, Kazakshtan, in Uzbekistan at Salor, Qibray, Tashkent, Bektemir, Guliston, Olmaliq, Namangan, Andijon, and in Kyrgyzstan at Osh.
This earthquake may have been promoted by a C8.0 solar flare which peaked
at the time of this event. Preliminary data on this solar flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 1010 1025 1030 C8.0 (April 3, 2026) 7.5E-02 *
Tajikistan M 5.5 10:26 UT
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the Molucca Sea; at
104 degrees (node 7) from Vanuatu; the third node (120 degrees) from Tonga;
and the seventh node from the North Geomagnetic Pole, Malaysia and TC Indusa
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 03APR2026 10:26:42 38.9N 70.9E ML=5.5 NEIC TAJIKISTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Penteli.
This epicenter is at 102 degrees from the Molucca Sea (node 7) and at the fourth
node (90 degrees) from Malaysia and the fifth node (72 degrees) from TC Indusa and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 03APR2026 06:51:15 39.6N 20.7E ML=4.3 EMSC GREECE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Costa Rica was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Costa Rica in Panama at Mague and Bajo Boquete.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been triggered
by CME from a strong C-class solar flare which expanded into the the larger flare of the
day. Data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3920 1710 1815 1834 M3.5 (April 2, 2026) 5.4E-02
Molucca Sea M 4.5 18:13 UT
Turkey M 4.2 18:22 UT
Costa Rica M 4.7 17:11 UT
Eastern Mediterranean Sea M 4.2 19:35 UT
O: 02APR2026 17:11:25 8.1N 83.0W ML=4.7 EMSC COSTA RICA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in the eastern Mediterranean Sea was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Mediterranean Sea in Turkey at Kumluca, Tekirova, Kepez, Ortyakent Yahsi and in Cyprus at Galata, Avdimou, Limassol.
This may have been promoted by the same solar flare that was associated with an
M 4.7 in Costa Rica (see above) as it occurred towards the end of that flare.
O: 02APR2026 19:35:17 36.0N 30.3E ML=4.2 EMSC EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Turkey at Demirci, Akhisar, Soma, Balikesir, Kula, Salihli, Bornova, Edremit, Burhaniye, Gorukle, Tire, Nilufer, Izmir, Osmangazi, Karsiyaka, Kutahya, Mudanya, Yalova, Yakuplu, Gurpinar and Eminonu.
This event occurred at the peak of the M3.5 solar flare (see above) and may
have been promoted by that solar event.
O: 02APR2026 18:22:52 39.1N 28.4E ML=4.2 EMSC 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:
TROPICAL CYCLONE INDUSA (29P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC INDUSA 2026-04-03 00:00 UT 15.2S 72.9E 70 kts South Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone Indusa (29S) continued in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 70 kts. It is tracking WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 15N 107W south of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time. This storm will pass over the antipode of the Gulf of California at 24-26S 108-110W (an active seismic area) as a moderately strong storm around April 5-6, 2026 and could trigger a moderate earthquake in the Gulf of California at that time.
A tropical cyclone may be forming in the region south of New Britain. This storm is currently located at 10S 155E and is moving to the west with winds up to 28 kts. It could help promote moderately increased seismicity in the area of New Britain as it moves through the area. The antipode at 10N 25W is off northern Africa in the Atlantic and is not a seismic region.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 2, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3830 0707 0713 0726 C1.5 (April 2, 2026) 2.0E-03
Molucca Sea M 4.6 07:15 UT
Xizang M 4.3 07:18 UT
3850 0726 0730 0736 C1.3 (April 2, 2026) 9.6E-04
Xinjiang, China M 5.2 07:39 UT
3860 0922 0928 0930 C1.8 (April 2, 2026) 1.0E-03
New Zealand M 3.8 09:22 UT
3880 1226 1230 1232 C1.3 (April 2, 2026) 6.1E-04
Molucca Sea M 4.7 12:33 UT
Virgin Is. M 3.9 12:35 UT
3930 1301 1459 1556 C3.9 (April 2, 2026) 2.1E-02
Molucca Sea M 4.9 13:03 UT M 5.8 14:35 UT, M 5.9 14:13 UT
San Francisco M 2.5 13:13 UT
3920 1723 1815 1834 M3.5 (April 2, 2026) 5.4E-02
Molucca Sea M 4.5 18:13 UT
Turkey M 4.2 18:22 UT
3940 2121 2128 2132 C1.2 (April 2, 2026) 8.2E-04
3950 2308 2315 2320 C1.6 (April 2, 2026) 1.4E-03
Vanuatu M 5.4 23:22 UT
3960 2353 2358 0004 C1.5 (April 2, 2026) 1.1E-03
XXXX 0040 0100 0130 C7.0 (April 3, 2026) 6.5E-02 *
Fiji M 4.3 00:49 UT
XXXX 0335 0340 0350 C2.7 (April 3, 2026) 2.5E-02 *
Molucca M 5.4 03:37 UT
XXXX 0750 0800 0815 M1.3 (April 3, 2026) 1.3E-02
Northern California M 2.7 07:51 UT
XXXX 1010 1025 1030 C8.0 (April 3, 2026) 7.5E-02 *
Tajikistan M 5.5 10:26 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: major storms April 3-4 active April 5. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 20% proton storm: 50%
AP Indicies: global: 43, high: 64, mid-latitude: 30, time of max AP: 16:00 UT; Max AP: 7 Global Kp 5.67 1600-1900, April 2; Sunspot Number: 152; Radio Flux: 140
A strong geomagnetic storm began about 04:45 UT on April 3 and maximized at about
08:30 UT with an increase in GOES electron flux measurements. GOES-18 magnetometer
showed this commencement around 07:30-09:00 UT on April 3. Areas near local
solar noon at this time are near 60 East and those at local solar midnight
are near 120 W and include California and the western U.S. and Iran among others.
Some immediate seismic enhancement is possible at the beginning of this storm.
April 2, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The full moon arrived on April 2, 2026 at 02:12 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 30 West while those at local solar noon are near 150 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of central and eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered likely (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this full moon in the next several days with most likely probability in Indonesia and regions of Japan.
A minor geomagnetic storm appears to have arrived early on UT April 2, 2026. This reached k-index of 5 in the
first three hours of April 2 with G1 storm levels of 5 at the same time. This
storm commencement was marked by a strong reduction in the electron flux
after a slight rise in electron flux at GOES Satellite altitudes beginning at 22:30 UT on April 2 and reaching minimum at 02:00 UT on April 2, 2026.
The GOES magnetometers registered a similar reduction in the geomagnetic field
at the same time. This followed a sudden rise around 11:50 UT on April 1, 2026.
This was consistent with a moderate proton storm at the same time. This activity
may have helped trigger a major earthquake in the Molucca Sea at the start
of this geomagnetic excursion.
An M 7.4 earthquake has occurred in the Molucca Sea late on April 1, 2026 UT. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in North Sulawesi at Bitung and Tangkoko; in Tomohon, Manado, Tanahwangko Likupang, Laikit, Tatelu, Wori, Tanahwangko, Dili, Banjar Lalangpasek and in Malaysia at Subang Jaya and in the Philippines in Davao and Lapaz.
NEIC reported intensity VI in Sulawesi, Indonesia at Bitung, Tondano and Tomhon; V in Tidore, Maluku, Manado Sulawesi and IV in Ternate, Malukuand in souothern Mindanao at Katangawan.
BMG reported intensity VII in Kota, Ternate; V in Kab. Minahasa, Bitung, Tomohon, Halmahera, Ternate and IV in Kepulaun, Manado among others.
A minor tsunami was identified which PTWC initially reported the magnitude at M 7.8 but was
later revised to M 7.4. PTWC reported 5 cm waves (2 inches) were recorded in Davao, Philippines. BMG reported tsunami of 20 cm (8 inches) in Bitung and a foot (30 cm) in West Halmahera.
Initial press reports indicated that the earthquake
killed at least one person and injured several more and toppled and damaged a number of houses and buildings. A church and several housses were damaged in South Ternate. The last and only earthquake in the Molucca Sea
in the past 35 years within about 200 km of this epicenter occurred with equal or larger magnitude was an M 7.5 on January 21, 2007.
At the time this summary noted:
"... an earthquake of M 7.3 in the Molucca Sea west of Halmahera, Indonesia. ... The Indonesian earthquake was followed by a strong aftershock sequence in the Molucca Sea with events of M 6.1, 5.8, 5.5, 4.9, 5.2, 5.6 and 5.1 in the first four hours following the mainshock. NEIC reported that this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity V (slight damage likely) at Manado, Indonesia and intensity IV at Bitung, Indonesia both more than 150 km from the epicenter. The aftershock of M 5.8 was felt with intensity VI at Manado (damage) and the aftershock of M 5.6 reportly was felt at Bitung, Indonesia with intensity VII. Reuters reported that the quake cracked buildings in Manado a city of 400,000 people in northern Sulawesi. People ran from their houses and stayed outside for some time fearing a tsunami could occur. A tsunami alert was issued by the Indonesian Seismological Institute by no tsunami was initially reported. A small tsunami is possible from an earthquake of this size in this location. According to press accounts many people tried to flee coasts in their cars motorcycles and other vehicles causing massive traffic jams. The Malaysian Meteorological Department also issued a tsunami warning and recommended people along the coast be warned of the possible risk. Police were available to assist people in evacuations. Bernana (Malaysian News Source) reported people were gathering at mosques in more hilly areas leaving some towns deserted. Associated Press reported that at least three people were slightly injured when a church was damaged in Manado. A reporter with Metro TV said she had seen several other cracked and damaged buildings in Manado." (January 21, 2007)
Today's earthquake appears to have been promoted by the X1.4 solar flare of
March 30, 2026 as it was near exact local solar noon at the maximum output
of that flare and had been expected in this summary (see below). It
was immediately promoted by SFE from the second largest solar flare since
then - a C5.2 (#3750) which was nearing its peak output at the time of
this earthquake on the geomagnetic equator. Data on this flare from SWPC
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3760 2241 2300 2308 C5.2 (April 1, 2026) 7.3E-03
This earthquake in Central Indonesia may also have been promoted by the
stresses associated with TC Narelle which passed south of this epicenter in
late March, 2026. At the time this summary suggested this possibility as:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-24 00:00 UT 16.0S 123.4E 50 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 50 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas south of New Guinea and the Banda Sea, Indonesia for several more days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in Central Indonesia as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 16N 57W in the area east of the Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 24-26 but could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area." (March 24-26, 2026)
The strongest aftershock of the M 7.4 mainshock at this writing occurred
as an M 6.2. This followed an M 5.7 six minutes earlier. The M 6.2 was felt with intensity II in Manado, Sulawesi according to data from NEIC. This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was
probably promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
This epicenter was exactly sub-solar at the time of its occurrence. On
April 2, 2026 the sub-solar latitude (the latitude at which the sun is directly
overhead at local solar noon) is 2 degrees north. This summary has argued
in the past that vertical tidal forces are maximized near this latitude
at this time of year and can help increase the size or likelihood of
seismicity at this time. This apparently occurred in the case of the
Molucca Sea quake today.
These two aftershocks also coincided with a C1.0 solar flare and may have been
promoted by SFE associated with that flare. Data from SWPC for this flare
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0315 0323 0340 C1.0 (April 2, 2026) 1.3E-03
DISTANCE RELATIONS BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES
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 off 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. Today we show only nodal distances from Siberia in stipples.
Antipodal (180 degrees)
Molucca to Brazil, Peru
Outer shadow zone edge (142-150 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Panama, Honduras, North Mid-Atlantic, Nicaragua, central Chile,
Node 3 (120 degrees)
Molucca Sea to South Sandwich Islands, Southern Baja California, western Mexico, western Texas, Spain, southern mid-Atlantic,
Inner shadow zone edge (101-110 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Idaho, Los Angeles, Vancouver B.C., Oregon, Washington, San Francisco, Coast of Northern California, Adriatic Sea, Mt. Etna, Italy, Serbia, British Columbia, Canada, Oregon, Nevada, Northern and Central California, Greece, Adriatic Sea, Crete, East Pacific Rise,
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, Prince Edward Island, west of Vancouver, SE Alaska, Ethiopia,
Node 5 (72 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Fox Islands, Iran,
Node 6 (60 degrees)
Molucca Sea to Tajikistan, Hindu Kush, China, Kamchatka, Fiji, Tonga, Pakistan, North, South Island, New Zealand,
Node 7 (51 degrees)
Molucca to Mongolia, Buratiya, Kuril Islands, western China, India, Mid-Indian Ridges, Soiuth of Australia
Molucca Sea to Kuril Islands, South Indian Ocean, South of Australia,
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60.0 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Tonga
and at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Vanuatu and was likely
promoted by energy from those sources.
Following is a listing of events of M>=5 which occurred in Molucca Sea
follow. A more extensive listing of aftershocks can be found in the
data section of this summary.
O: 01APR2026 22:48:14 1.2N 126.3E ML=7.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 01APR2026 22:48:14 1.2N 126.3E ML=7.3 BMG MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 03:23:53 1.2N 126.4E ML=6.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 31MAR2026 07:46:30 1.1N 126.9E ML=3.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 31MAR2026 11:14:23 2.0N 121.9E MB=5.1 EMSC CELEBES SEA
O: 01APR2026 23:13:30 1.1N 126.1E mb=5.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 05:37:23 1.1N 126.5E mb=5.1 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 01APR2026 22:48:13 1.2N 126.2E Mw=7.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 01APR2026 23:15:35 1.2N 126.4E ML=4.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 03:14:36 1.2N 126.5E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 03:17:53 1.2N 126.4E mb=5.7 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 03:23:54 1.2N 126.5E Mw=6.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 05:41:41 1.2N 126.4E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 00:10:21 1.3N 126.3E mb=5.0 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 02:10:58 1.3N 126.2E mb=5.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 02APR2026 07:04:14 1.3N 126.5E mb=5.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 01APR2026 23:07:24 1.0N 126.4E MB=5.5 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
A major solar flare of X1.4 class was recorded by SWPC starting at about 02:45 UT
and lasting for up to six hours after that on March 30, 2026 maximizing
output at about 03:20 UT. Areas which were at sub-solar conditions at thie
time include the Molucca Sea and the Philippines at about 130 East longitude.
These areas are especially likely to see strong seismic enhancement in the next two days
especially near the geomagnetic equator in Indonesia. Preliminary data from SWPC for this solar flare two hours follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0245 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
This is the strongest flare catalogued by SWPC during 2026. The last solar flare
of equal or larger intensity was #2550 - an X1.9 on June 19, 2025. These flares
began while the region near 165 East Longitude to 135 East longitude was
at local solar noon conditions. A major earthquake in this longitude range
would therefore be expected following these flares. This longitude range includes
the Vanuatu and Solomon and New Guinea/Central Indonesia areas in the south and Guam, Kamchatka,
Honshu, Hokkaido among others in the the north.
A strong earthquake of M 6.0 occurred today in central Peru near Picota. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in San Martin Peru at Bellavista and in San Miguel de Cari Huanuco and Oxapampa, Pasco with III in Tarapoto, Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Pucara, Trujillo, Chimbote, Loja and Pucallpa as well as in Cruzeiro do Sul, Brazil.
EMSC reported moderate shakinig in Peru at San Juan de Cacazu, Independencia, and in Pinas, Ecuador.
This is the strongest earthquak in Peru within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 8.0 on May 26, 2019. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world since an M 8.2 in the Fiji Islands on August 19, 2018 - a great quake of M 8.0 shook areas of north-central Peru today. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IX (damage)
in Peru at Yurimaguas, Loreto; VIII in Requena; IV in Tarapoto,Saquena,; V in Chachaoyas, Pucallpa, Iquitos and IV in Cajabamba and Cajamarca, Peru and in Cruzeiro do Sol, Acre, Brazil.
Initial reports and data on the internet indicate this earthquake was damaging in the
area of Yurimaguas, a town of more than 60,000 where there was considerable damage and where many buildings collapsed.
This is in the Amazon area of Peru, an area of sparse population. Damage was also mitigated
by the intermediate depth (100 km) of this event." (May 26, 2019)
This epicenter is at 105 degrees from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may
have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 01APR2026 11:20:25 7.1S 76.1W ML=6.0 NEIC NORTHERN PERU
O: 01APR2026 11:20:26 7.0S 76.1W MW=6.0 EMSC NORTHERN PERU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Southeastern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southeastern Alaska near Yakutat.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Molucca Sea and from
Malaysia and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference
from those sources.
O: 02APR2026 02:48:43 58.1N 143.0W ML=3.9 EMSC GULF OF ALASKA
O: 02APR2026 02:48:44 58.1N 143.2W ML=3.8 NEIC SE ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Honshu, Japan in Shizukuishi, Iwate and Naka, Ibaraki.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (102 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
pole; at the ninth node (40 degrees) from Malasia and the Molucca Sea and at
the sixth node (60 degrees) from Vanuatu and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 02APR2026 00:52:52 38.2N 141.6E ML=5.0 NEIC HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 02APR2026 00:52:51 38.2N 141.8E MB=5.0 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Alberta, Canada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Alberta, Canada in Gibbons and Edmonton.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Gibbons, Canada.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (105 degrees) from Molucca Sea and Malaysia
and at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Tonga and 144 degrees from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and the tenth node (36 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 01APR2026 23:27:30 53.9N 113.4W ML=4.2 NEIC ALBERTA, CANADA
O: 01APR2026 23:27:30 53.9N 113.4W ML=4.5 EMSC ALBERTA, CANADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska near Nanwalek.
O: 01APR2026 18:16:58 59.6N 152.1W ML=3.4 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 01APR2026 18:16:57 59.6N 152.2W ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 01APR2026 21:30:45 59.6N 152.9W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 02APR2026 01:34:33 60.1N 152.9W ML=3.5 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Mission Viejo.
It was preceded by an M 3.2 14 minutes earlier which was also lightly felt.
The M 3.9 today is the strongest event within about 100 km of this epicenter
since an M 4.1 on March 27, 2026 and is an aftershock of that event.
At the time this summary noted:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1-4.2 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California with III in SunCity, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Newberry Springs, Hawthorne, Wrightwood, Palmdale, Victorville and Valley Village and III in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This earthquake is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter in Southern
California since an M 4.9 on July 29, 2025 and prior to that an M 4.6 on January 25, 2024.
At the time of the event in July, 2025 this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake shook southern California today with M 4.9. NEIC and the press
reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Barstow and Los Angeles areas.
EMSC reported moderate shaking with a rolling motion with earthquake noises in California at Fort Irwin,
Helendale, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Big Bear City, Adelanto, Cedar Glen, Yucca Valley, Pinon Hills, Edwards, Trona, Pinon Hills, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino, Searles Valley, Redlands, Yucaipa, Ridgecrest, California City, Loma Linda, Twentynine Palms, Beaumont, Fontana and as far as Bakersfield and Simi Valley more than 200 km from the epicenter.
It occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted
by strong geomagnetic and tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
A number of smaller aftershocks were felt with light intensity in the Barstow
area. This is a remote area of southern California and no major damage
was reported with this earthquake. Today's earthquake of M 4.9 is the strongest
recorded in Southern California within about 100 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.1
on December 6, 2008. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake of M 5.1 hit the area of Southern California today in
the region of Ludlow which an event of M 7.0 in 1999 may have stressed to
near rupture. Today's earthquake was felt throughout Southern California and
into Arizona, Utah and Nevada. Maximum intensity IV was reported at Pahrump,
NV and in California at Pearblossom, Little Rock, Thousand Palms, Twentynine
Palms, Fort Irwin, Fontana, Loma Linda, Newberry Springs, San Diego, La Puente,
San Fernando, Encino, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Whittier, Los Angeles,
and in general within about 200 km of the epicenter. Likewise intensity II-III
was felt within about 250 km of the earthquake and intensity I was felt throughout
the remainder of the region according to data on the NEIC website.
AP reported no immediate damage or casualties from the earthquake.
We have been undergoing the strongest geomagnetic storm in the past month
over the past three days. Sudden changes in geomagnetic field can change
the fault parameters such that an earthquake may occur simultaneously with
such change. This often, but not always occurs. Southern California often
shows such triggering. In the case today, a strong and sudden geomagnetic change in
Hp, Hn and in the total field occurred. SEC shows data indicating the
Hn field increased from 0.9e+1 to 1.6e+1 nT from 03:40 to 04:23 UT and was
accompanied by equivalent changes in the total field and the Hp field both
maximizing between 04:10 and 04:20 UT. The M 5.1 in Southern California
occurred at then end of this field change at 04:18 UT. This is not the first
time such observations have been made but is found more often than not
especially in this region of California. This suggest direct triggering of the earthquake by
the geomagnetic change." (December 6, 2008, July 29, 2024, March 27, 2026)
O: 01APR2026 16:30:47 34.8N 116.4W ML=3.9 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 01APR2026 16:30:47 34.8N 116.4W MW=3.8 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 01APR2026 16:16:29 34.8N 116.4W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 01APR2026 16:16:29 34.8N 116.4W ML=3.2 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in the Indian-Antarctic Ridge was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Indian-Antarctic Ridge.
This epicenter is near the seventh node (51 degrees) from Malaysia, Vanuatu and the Molucca
Sea and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference from
those sources. It is also at the sixth node from Tonga and at the fourth node from Honshu, Japan.
O: 01APR2026 08:42:56 47.7S 116.0E ML=4.8 NEIC INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
O: 01APR2026 08:42:56 47.8S 116.0E MB=4.8 EMSC WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
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 CYCLONE 29P
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 29S 2026-04-02 00:00 UT 11.4S 73.7E 45 kts South Indian Ocean
Tropical Cyclone 29S formed in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 45 kts. It is tracking WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 12N 107W south of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time. This storm will pass over the antipode of the Gulf of California at 24-26S 108-110W (an active seismic area) as a moderately strong storm around April 5-6, 2026 and could trigger a moderate earthquake in the Gulf of California at that time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of April 1, 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 0315 0323 0340 C1.0 (April 2, 2026) 1.3E-03
Molucca Sea M 5.7 03:18 UT M 6.2 03:24 UT
Yemen M 2.8 03:30 UT
3540 0638 0651 0703 C1.2 (April 1, 2026) 1.7E-03
3580 1049 1105 1122 C1.3 (April 1, 2026) 2.2E-03
Northern Peru M 6.0 11:20 UT
So. of Panama M 4.4 11:23 UT
3630 1338 1348 1355 C5.3 (April 1, 2026) 3.6E-03
Oaxaca M 4.4 14:02 UT
3680 1738 1745 1750 C1.5 (April 1, 2026) 1.1E-03
3730 1947 1958 2010 C8.1 (April 1, 2026) 6.6E-03
Papua M 4.1 19:55 UT
Ethiopia M 4.4 19:46 UT
Nicobar Is. M 4.3 20:14 UT
Vancouver M 3.5 20:28 UT
3740 2054 2102 2114 C1.4 (April 1, 2026) 1.5E-03
Solomon Is. M 4.9 21:01 UT
Argentina M 4.3 21:09 UT
Guerrero M 3.1 21:12 UT
3750 2134 2151 2159 C4.7 (April 1, 2026) 4.5E-03
Guerrero M 3.4 21:34 UT
Guatemala M 3.5 21:33 UT
Oacaca M 3.9 22:00 UT
3760 2241 2300 2308 C5.2 (April 1, 2026) 7.3E-03
Molucca Sea M 7.4 22:48 UT
South Africa M 3.6 22:59 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active April 3-4 minor storms April 2. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 10% proton storm: 10%
AP Indicies: global: 9, high: 8, mid-latitude: 8, time of max AP: 14:00 UT; Max AP: 4 Global Kp 3.0 1200-1500, April 1; Sunspot Number: 130; Radio Flux: 142
A minor geomagnetic storm appears to have arrived early on UT April 2, 2026. This reached k-index of 5 in the
first three hours of April 2 with G1 storm levels of 5 at the same time. This
storm commencement was marked by a strong reduction in the electron flux
after a slight rise ini electron flux at GOES Satellite altitudes beginning at 23:30 UT on April 2 and reaching minimum at 02:00 UT on April 2, 2026.
The GOES magnetometers registered a similar reduction in the geomagnetic field
at the same time. This followed a sudden rise around 11:50 UT on April 1, 2026.
This was consistent with a moderate proton storm at the same time.
April 1, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
UPDATE:
An M 7.4 earthquake has occurred in the Molucca Sea late on April 1, 2026 UT. EMSC reported it was felt with moderate intensity in North Sulawesi at Bitung and Tangkoko; in Tomohon, Manado, Tanahwangko and in the Philippines in Davao and Lapaz.
NEIC reported intensity VI in Sulawesi, Indonesia at Bitung, Tondano and Tomhon; V in Tidore, Maluku, Manado Sulawesi and IV in Ternate, Malukuand in souothern Mindanao at Katangawan.
BMG reported intensity VII in Kota, Ternate; V in Kab. Minahasa, Bitung, Tomohon, Halmahera, Ternate and IV in Kepulaun, Manado among others.
A minor tsunami was identified which PTWC initially reported at M 7.8 but was
later revised to M 7.4. The last and only earthquake in the Molucca Sea within about 200 km of today's
epicenter occurred with equal or larger magnitude was an M 7.5 on January 21, 2007.
At the time this summary noted:
"... an earthquake of M 7.3 in the Molucca Sea west of Halmahera, Indonesia. ... The Indonesian earthquake was followed by a strong aftershock sequence in the Molucca Sea with events of M 6.1, 5.8, 5.5, 4.9, 5.2, 5.6 and 5.1 in the first four hours following the mainshock. NEIC reported that this earthquake was felt with maximum intensity V (slight damage likely) at Manado, Indonesia and intensity IV at Bitung, Indonesia both more than 150 km from the epicenter. The aftershock of M 5.8 was felt with intensity VI at Manado (damage) and the aftershock of M 5.6 reportly was felt at Bitung, Indonesia with intensity VII. Reuters reported that the quake cracked buildings in Manado a city of 400,000 people in northern Sulawesi. People ran from their houses and stayed outside for some time fearing a tsunami could occur. A tsunami alert was issued by the Indonesian Seismological Institute by no tsunami was initially reported. A small tsunami is possible from an earthquake of this size in this location. According to press accounts many people tried to flee coasts in their cars motorcycles and other vehicles causing massive traffic jams. The Malaysian Meteorological Department also issued a tsunami warning and recommended people along the coast be warned of the possible risk. Police were available to assist people in evacuations. Bernana (Malaysian News Source) reported people were gathering at mosques in more hilly areas leaving some towns deserted. Associated Press reported that at least three people were slightly injured when a church was damaged in Manado. A reporter with Metro TV said she had seen several other cracked and damaged buildings in Manado." (January 21, 2007)
Today's earthquake appears to have been promoted by the X1.4 solar flare of
March 30, 2026 as it was near exact local solar noon at the maximum output
of that flare and had been expected in this summary (see below). It
was immediately promoted by SFE from the second largest solar flare since
then - a C5.2 (#3750) which was nearing its peak output at the time of
this earthquake on the geomagnetic equator. Data on this flare from SWPC
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3760 2241 2300 2308 C5.2 (April 1, 2026) 7.3E-03
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60.0 degrees) from the M 7.4 in Tonga
and at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Vanuatu and was likely
promoted by energy from those sources.
This earthquake in Central Indonesia may also have been promoted by the
stresses associated with TC Narelle which passed south of this epicenter in
late March, 2026. At the time this summary suggested this possibility as:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-24 00:00 UT 16.0S 123.4E 50 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 50 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas south of New Guinea and the Banda Sea, Indonesia for several more days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in Central Indonesia as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 16N 57W in the area east of the Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 24-26 but could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area." (March 24-26, 2026)
More on this important earthquake will follow in the next summary.
O: 01APR2026 22:48:14 1.2N 126.3E ML=7.4 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 01APR2026 22:48:14 1.2N 126.3E ML=7.3 BMG MOLUCCA SEA
O: 31MAR2026 07:46:30 1.1N 126.9E ML=3.2 EMSC MOLUCCA SEA
O: 31MAR2026 11:14:23 2.0N 121.9E MB=5.1 EMSC CELEBES SEA
The full moon arrived on April 2, 2026 at 02:12 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 30 West while those at local solar noon are near 150 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of central and eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered likely (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this full moon in the next several days with most likely probability in Indonesia and regions of Japan.
A major solar flare of X1.4 class was recorded by SWPC starting at about 02:45 UT
and lasting for up to six hours after that on March 30, 2026 maximizing
output at about 03:20 UT. Areas which were at sub-solar conditions at thie
time include the Molucca Sea and the Philippines at about 130 East longitude.
These areas are especially likely to see strong seismic enhancement in the next two days
especially near the geomagnetic equator in Indonesia. Preliminary data from SWPC for this solar flare two hours follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0245 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
This is the strongest flare catalogued by SWPC during 2026. The last solar flare
of equal or larger intensity was #2550 - an X1.9 on June 19, 2025. These flares
began while the region near 165 East Longitude to 135 East longitude was
at local solar noon conditions. A major earthquake in this longitude range
would therefore be expected following these flares. This longitude range includes
the Vanuatu and Solomon and New Guinea/Central Indonesia areas in the south and Guam, Kamchatka,
Honshu, Hokkaido among others in the the north.
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.7 in the Fiji Islands. NEIC
reported it may have been felt with intensity up to II in the epicenter area.
O: 01APR2026 06:08:26 21.6S 179.2W ML=5.7 NEIC FIJI
O: 31MAR2026 09:32:55 20.5S 178.0W MB=4.6 EMSC FIJI REGION
O: 31MAR2026 17:09:03 20.6S 178.0W mb=4.8 EMSC FIJI REGION
O: 01APR2026 06:08:28 21.7S 179.3W MW=5.7 EMSC FIJI REGION
O: 31MAR2026 23:29:46 22.2S 179.7W MB=4.5 EMSC SOUTH OF FIJI ISLANDS
An earthquake of M 5.7 also occurred today south of the event in Fiji in
the Kermadec Islands of New Zealand. It was not reported felts in this remote area.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the Molucca Sea and
at the fifth node from Malaysia and may have been promoted by energy from
those sources.
O: 31MAR2026 19:24:54 30.3S 178.8W MW=5.7 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
O: 01APR2026 04:54:56 31.2S 179.8W mb=4.6 EMSC KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.8 in New Brunswick, Canada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of New Brunswick, Canada near Noonan.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Honshu, Japan
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 01APR2026 03:20:26 46.3N 66.1W ML=2.8 NEIC NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
O: 01APR2026 03:20:26 46.4N 66.1W ML=2.8 EMSC NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska in Wasilla, Eagle River and Anchorage.
O: 01APR2026 03:05:40 61.9N 150.2W ML=3.3 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 01APR2026 03:05:40 61.9N 150.2W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Tokyo, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Tokyo, Japan in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Naka Ibaraki, Kokubunji, Tokyo, Urayasum Chiba and III in Kashiwa, Kaminokawa, Komai, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka and in Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Japan at Misato, Kamagaya, Toda, Tokyo, Kawaguchi, Urayasu, Nishitokyo, Narita, Ota, Kawasaki, Maebashi.
JMA issued an advisory that strong earthquakes in the area of Tokyo may
occur in the current active period in Honshu, Japan.
O: 01APR2026 01:06:18 36.1N 140.0E ML=4.9 NEIC TOKYO, JAPAN
O: 01APR2026 01:06:19 36.1N 139.9E MW=4.9 EMSC EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in the Virgin Islands was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Virgin Islands in Saint Thomas and in Puerto Rico at San Juan and Bayamon.
This earthquake may have been promoted by the second strongest solar flare of
the day - a C1.1 (#3490) as it occurred simultaneously with the start of that flare with data from SWPC as follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3490 2116 2123 2127 C1.1 (March 31, 2026) 7.3E-04
Virgin Islands M 4.9 21:16 UT
Virgin Islands M 3.6, 3.9 ... 21:23 UT ...
This earthquake in the Virgin Islands was preceded and followed by a strong swarm of regional
earthquake and has been previously discussed (as in the last issue of this summary) as:
"... NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Anguilla was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Anguilla.
This is a somewhat unusual earthquake epicenter. While the region of the Virgin
Islands is often active and saw an M 5.2 last week on March 19, 2026, the last earthquake with M>=3.8 within about 50 km of today's earthquake
in Anguilla was an M 3.9 on August 29, 2025.
TC Narelle passed over the antipode to this epicenter yesterday (March 26)
and had been expected to trigger antipodal activity in Anguilla at this time
are reported in this summary ar the time as:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-26 00:00 UT 19.6S 115.4E 135 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 135 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 19N 65W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promoted seismicity in that area at that time." (March 26, 2026)
and
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 18N 61W in the area east of the northern Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 25-26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area." (March 25, 2026)
In addition to being antipodal to TC Narelle, this epicenter is at the fifth
node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted
by energy from that source." (March 27-31, 2026)
A listing of events of M>=3.9 in this swarm today follows. A more complete
listing can be found in the data section of this report.
O: 31MAR2026 21:15:38 19.2N 64.9W ML=4.9 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
O: 31MAR2026 12:38:51 19.5N 63.6W ML=4.2 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
O: 31MAR2026 09:58:26 19.5N 63.7W ML=4.2 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
O: 31MAR2026 09:45:12 19.5N 63.8W ML=4.1 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
O: 31MAR2026 09:22:37 19.6N 63.6W ML=5.0 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
O: 01APR2026 04:58:56 19.2N 64.8W MD=3.9 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:22:36 19.3N 63.6W Mw=5.0 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 11:14:20 19.3N 64.0W MD=3.9 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 21:15:35 19.3N 64.9W Mw=4.9 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:58:22 19.4N 63.6W mb=4.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 07:56:54 19.5N 63.6W MD=3.9 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:28:34 19.5N 63.7W MD=4.0 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:45:12 19.5N 63.8W MD=4.1 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 11:57:32 19.5N 63.8W MD=3.9 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 12:38:51 19.5N 63.6W MD=4.2 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Nevada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nevada in Winnemucca, Tuscarora, Crescent Valley, Elko and Glenbrook.
This M 3.8 in Nevada may have been promoted by solar flare 3450 as it occurred
simultaneously with that flare as recorded by SWPC with data as:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3450 1602 1610 1617 C1.0 (March 31, 2026) 8.7E-04
Papua M 3.4 16:02 UT
Nevada M 3.8 16:02 UT
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Vanuatu and at the
fifth node (72 degrees) from Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 31MAR2026 16:01:57 41.1N 116.7W ML=3.8 NEIC NEVADA
O: 31MAR2026 16:01:57 41.2N 116.7W MW=3.8 EMSC NEVADA
O: 31MAR2026 17:27:52 41.2N 116.7W ML=2.1 EMSC NEVADA
O: 31MAR2026 19:35:46 41.2N 116.7W ML=2.6 EMSC NEVADA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska with III in Soldotna, Anchor Point, Homer, Ninilchik, Anchorage and Kasilof.
O: 31MAR2026 15:44:28 59.8N 152.4W ML=4.1 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 31MAR2026 15:44:27 59.8N 152.4W ML=4.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 01APR2026 06:08:15 59.9N 153.0W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Southern Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Southern Greece in Savalia, Lechaina, Kardamas, Zakynthos, Ambelokipoi, Pyrgos, Laganas, Lithakia.
O: 31MAR2026 10:07:29 37.8N 21.2E ML=4.0 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
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:
There are no tropical cyclones currently active
A tropical cyclone may be forming in the South Indian Ocean with winds up to 28 kts. It is currently located at 11S 74E and moving WSW and could help promote seismicity in this region in the next several days. The Antipode is at 11N 106W south of Michoacan, Mexico - an area where some enhanced seismicity is possible at this time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 31, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3290 0240 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
Vanuatu M 7.3 08:44 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 03:31 UT
Vancouver M 3.8 03:35 UT
Gulf of Mexico M 3.9 02:25 UT
3420 0055 0101 0104 C1.5 (March 31, 2026) 8.7E-04
Nicaragua M 3.6 00:58 UT
South Is. NZ M 3.1 00:58 UT
3430 1027 1034 1049 C1.0 (March 31, 2026) 1.4E-03
Virgin Is. M 3.4 10:51 UT
3450 1602 1610 1617 C1.0 (March 31, 2026) 8.7E-04
Papua M 3.4 16:02 UT
Nevada M 3.8 16:02 UT
3460 1758 1809 1828 C1.0 (March 31, 2026) 1.8E-03
Italy M 2.1 17:59 UT
Molucca Sea M 2.8 18:06 UT
3490 2116 2123 2127 C1.1 (March 31, 2026) 7.3E-04
Virgin Islands M 4.9 21:16 UT
Virgin Islands M 3.6, 3.9 ... 21:23 UT ...
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active April 3 minor storms April 1-2. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 15% proton storm: 10%
AP Indicies: global: 7, high: 16, mid-latitude: 8, time of max AP: 12:00 UT; Max AP: 4 Global Kp 2.67 0400-0600, March 31; Sunspot Number: 133; Radio Flux: 141
March 31, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The full moon arrived on April 2, 2026 at 02:12 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 30 West while those at local solar noon are near 150 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of central and eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered likely (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this full moon in the next several days with most likely probability in Indonesia and regions of Japan.
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 solar flare of X1.4 class was recorded by SWPC starting at about 02:45 UT
and lasting for up to six hours after that on March 30, 2026.
Preliminary data from SWPC for this and a C1.6 solar flare two hours earlier
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0245 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
This is the strongest flare catalogued by SWPC during 2026. The last solar flare
of equal or larger intensity was #2550 - an X1.9 on June 19, 2025. These flares
began while the region near 165 East Longitude to 135 East longitude was
at local solar noon conditions. A major earthquake in this longitude range
would therefore be expected following these flares. This longitude range includes
the Vanuatu and Solomon and New Guinea areas in the south and Guam, Kamchatka,
Honshu, Hokkaido among others in the the north.
A moderate earthquake of M 5.0 was accompanied by a series of moderate foreshocks
and aftershocks north of Anguilla in the Virgin Islands today. While moderate
earthquakes in the Virgin Islands are not uncommon, this is an unusual earthquake.
The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter with M>=5.0 was recorded
by NEIC as occurring on on June 1, 2009 also with M 5.0. as an aftershock of
an M 5.6 on March 2, 2006. At the time this summary noted:
A moderately strong earthquake ocurred today in the region of the Leeward
and Virgin Islands on the northeast border between the Atlantic and
Caribbean tectonic plates. Data on the NEIC website indicates the earthquake
was felt with intensity III in Puerto Rico at Naguabo and Guaynabo and
at Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands. It was also felt in the Virgin Islands
at St. John and in Puerto Rico wat Carolina and generally within about
250 km of the epicenter. This is the strongest earthquake located in
the Leeward Islands (16-22N 60-70W) in nearly three years - since an M 5.7
occurred on June 30, 2003. ..." (March 2, 2006)
Today's event follows a series of moderate earthquakes in the area including
an M 5.2 on March 19, 2026 about 150 km southeast of today's epicenter. This
summary has followed this over the past week as further activity in the
Virgin Islands was expected at this time due to its antipodal location
with respect to TC Narelle. Fore example on March 29, it was noted:
"The series of light ot moderate earthquakes continued today in Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands with maximum of M 4.2 in the area of Saint Martin and the Bottom, Bonaire, Sainte Eustatius and Saba, Leeward Islands.
This is the strongest earthquake in this area since an M 4.4 on August 5, 2025.
The last event of significantly larger magnitude in the area was an M 5.0 on April 19, 2014. At
the time this summary noted:
"A pair of moderate earthquakes also hit the Caribbean today. The largest of these
was in the Leeward Islands (M 5.0-5.3) while an M 3.9-4.3 also occurred north
of this in the Virgin Islands. This area is still unstable and near a major
earthquake and these may be signs of this instability. Forecast 79446 had
expected both these events within about 50 km of the epicenters to occur
around April 19. The M 5.0 in the Leeward Islands near Anguilla is the strongest
in that area in nearly a year - since an M 5.3 on April 30, 2013.
Local News reported the earthquake of M 5.0 in the Leeward Islands was felt with moderate intensity in St. Kitts and Nevis about 50 km from the epicenter.
No damages or casualties were reported. NEIC reported this earthquake occurred in the Saint Martin Region, Leeward Islands with intensity II-III in
the Netherlands Antilles at Philippsburg and in the Netherlands Antilles at Simpson Bay and OPhillipsburg and
with intensity II in Maunabo, Puerto Rico." (April 20, 2014)
Thoday's series was discussed in the previous issue of this summary as:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Anguilla was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Anguilla.
This is a somewhat unusual earthquake epicenter. While the region of the Virgin
Islands is often active and saw an M 5.2 last week on March 19, 2026, the last earthquake with M>=3.8 within about 50 km of today's earthquake
in Anguilla was an M 3.9 on August 29, 2025.
TC Narelle passed over the antipode to this epicenter yesterday (March 26)
and had been expected to trigger antipodal activity in Anguilla at this time
are reported in this summary ar the time as:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-26 00:00 UT 19.6S 115.4E 135 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 135 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 19N 65W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promoted seismicity in that area at that time." (March 26, 2026)
and
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 18N 61W in the area east of the northern Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 25-26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area." (March 25, 2026)
In addition to being antipodal to TC Narelle, this epicenter is at the fifth
node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted
by energy from that source." (March 27-29, 2026)
O: 31MAR2026 09:22:37 19.6N 63.5W MD=5.0 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 07:56:55 19.5N 63.6W MD=3.9 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:45:12 19.5N 63.8W MD=4.1 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 30MAR2026 18:09:01 19.2N 64.9W MD=3.2 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 06:45:27 19.3N 64.8W MD=3.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:22:36 19.3N 63.6W Mw=5.0 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:58:22 19.4N 63.6W mb=4.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 07:39:32 19.5N 63.6W ML=3.7 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 07:48:29 19.5N 63.8W MD=3.5 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 07:56:54 19.5N 63.6W MD=3.9 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:28:34 19.5N 63.7W MD=4.0 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 31MAR2026 09:45:12 19.5N 63.8W MD=4.1 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
A moderate earthquake of M 4.5 also occurred north of Puerto Rico today. It was
not reported felt in this area. This is an epicenter which was antipodal to TC Narelle
on March 28-29, 2026 (see above in regard to Virgin Islands). It occurred 35.4
minutes after the Vanuatu earthquake at a distance of 128 degrees from that
mainshock. The PPP phase from Vanuatu was at this epicenter when the
earthquake in Puerto Rico occurred and may have triggered it.
This may be an aftershock of an M 5.1 near this epicenter on February 19, 2026.
At that time this summary noted:
"An M 5.1 occurred today in the area north of Puerto Rico. NEIC reported it was
felt with intensity IV in Hatillo, Mayaguez and III in Gurabo, Anasco, San Juan, Guanica, San German and Adjuntas, Puerto Rico.
This appears to be a continuation of moderate earthquakes in the region in
past week which has included events of M>=5 in Cuba (M 5.5); Jamaica (M 5.0);
the Dominican Republic (M 5.1); and the Virgin Islands (M 4.6+) among others.
This M 5.1 in Puerto Rico is the strongest event in the area within about 200
km of this epicenter since an M 5.6 on May 15, 2024. ..." (February 19, 2026)
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 30MAR2026 09:26:36 18.6N 66.9W MD=3.0 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 30MAR2026 09:19:30 18.9N 67.3W mb=4.5 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
O: 30MAR2026 15:21:34 18.9N 67.3W MD=3.3 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
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. At the time of the M 7.3 on December 17, 2024
this summary noted:
"An M 7.3-7.4 earthquake hit the area of southern Vanuatu today. NEIC reported extensive damage and intensity up to IX at Isangel, Tafea and VIII in Vila Shefa, Vanuatu. Lesser intensities of IV were felt in New Caledonia at Bouloupari and II in Dumbea, Noumea and Paita.
The earthquake damaged buildings and cars and killed at least one person in the capital of Vanuatu - Port Vila. Some
people were trapped in collapsed building, some of which fell on vehicles and
sidewalks filled with Christmas vendors. A number were injured and roads leading to the port and
shipping terminal were closed due to landslides. Video and pictures on
the web showed considerately damage to U.S., French, New Zealand and British embassies.
most of which were closed after the quake. Communications was out throughout
most of Vanuatu and casualties are expected to rise. An M 5.5 aftershock followed. EMSC reported the M 7.4 was felt with
intensity III in Noumea, and Tadine New Caledonia south of Vanuatu. A tsunami was considered likely
with this event but a warning was dropped several hours later when only small
tsunami waves were observed. This earthquake is located near
the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.0 off Northern California of
December 5 and may have been promoted by far-field effects from that source. Other
unusual earthquakes in the past several days at the fourth node from the M 7.0
in Northern California have occurred as an M 6.4 in Maule, Chile and an M 4.9-5.0
yesterday in northern Algeria. An unusual M 5.2 also occurred near the fourth
node from California today in the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This summary had expected enhanced seismicity
near 90 degrees after the California quake was likely among others at:
"Far field seismicity is generally enhanced at nodal distances near 360/n degrees
where n is a small integer. At the time of the California event this summary noted the possibility of
an extensive far-field aftershock series as:
...
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Coast of Northern California to Algeria, New Guinea, Romania, Kermadec Is. New Ireland, Algeria, Central Chile, Spain, Taiwan, Algeria, Morocco, China, Bismarck Sea, Serbia, New Guinea, Central Mid-Atlantic" (December 5, 2024)
It also occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal
stresses with that event as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive on December 15, 2024 at 09:02 UT. Longitudes at local solar noon were near 45 East while those at local solar midnight are near 135 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 and east Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time." (December 13-15, 2024)
Two earthquakes of M>=7.4 have occurred in the world during the past year -
an M 7.5 on January 1, 2024 and an M 7.4 in Taiwan on April 2, 2024.
Today's event of M 7.4 is the strongest within about 400 km in Vanuatu since
an M 7.5 on November 26, 1999 and an M 7.4 on October 11, 1992 - an event
that followed several months after an M 7.1 off northern California of April 25, 1992." (December 17, 2024)
When an M 7.1 hit this area of Vanuatu on January 2, 2012, the last such event
in the region. This summary recorded the following far-field triggering possibilities
associated with this event:
DISTANCE RELATIONS BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES
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 off 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. Today we show only nodal distances from Siberia in stipples.
Antipodal (180 degrees)
Vanuatu to Atlantic Ocean west of northern Africa
Outer shadow zone edge (142-150 degrees)
Vanuatu to Greece, Italy, Crete, Macedonia, North Atlantic Ridge, France,
Node 3 (120 degrees)
Vanuatu to Serbia, Svalbard, Yemen, New York, Indian Ocean, Greenland Sea, Iran, Northern Colombia, Quebec,
Inner shadow zone edge (101-110 degrees)
Vanuatu to Peru, Western Texas, Missouri, Kyrgyzstan, Scotia Sea, Central Chile, Arctic Ocean, Pakistan, Xinjiang, China, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Mexico, Guatemala, Tajikistan, South of Africa, South Sandwich Islands, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Mexico, Oklahoma, Hindu Kush,
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Vanuatu to Washington State, Gulf of California, Central China, Revillo Gigedo Island, Mexico, Jalisco, Mexico, Nevada, Nepal, Arizona, Oregon, Northern, Central East Pacific Rise, Nepal, Utah, Gulf of California,
Node 5 (72 degrees)
Vanuatu to Fox Islands, Aleutians, Laos, Sumatra,
Node 6 (60 degrees)
Vanuatu to Honshu, Japan, Kuril Islands, Taiwan, Sumatra, Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, Java, Kyushu, Japan,
Node 7 (51 degrees)
Vanuatu to Mindanao, Minahasa, Hawaii, South of Australia, Bonin/Izu Islands, Japan,
A moderate geomagnetic storm reached its peak at the time of the M 7.3 in
Vanuatu with k-index at high latitude of 5+ and could have contributed to
the strength of this earthquake which lies near the geomagnetic equator.
GOES 19 magnetometer showed this disturbance peaking at aout 07:00 UT with GOES 19
about a half hour later.
A tropical cyclone (TC 28P) passed near this epicenter in Vanuatu less
than a week ago and may have set this area up for a significant regional
earthquake. At the time this summary noted:
"TC 28P 2026-03-23 00:00 UT 17.2S 162.5E 50 kts West of Vanuatu
Tropical Cyclone 28P formed in the region of west of Central Vanuatu today with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast over the next several days and could help prooote seismicity in southern Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands in the next couple of days. It will arrive in the Loyalty Islands around March 24-25. The antipode is at 17N 19W - a non seismic area of northern African and the eastern Atlantic" (March 23-25, 2026)
This epicenter is at 103 degrees (node 7) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and at the seventh node (52 degrees) from the
South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy
interference from those sources and at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 30MAR2026 19:50:27 14.7S 167.3E MB=4.8 EMSC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 08:44:09 15.3S 167.4E Mw=7.3 EMSC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 09:02:29 15.3S 167.7E mb=5.0 EMSC VANUATU
O: 31MAR2026 10:03:48 16.3S 167.6E mb=4.9 EMSC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 08:44:13 15.3S 167.6E ML=7.3 NEIC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 08:44:07 15.3S 167.5E ML=5.4 NEIC VANUATU
The strongest earthquake today outside Vanuatu in the world occurred as an M 5.3 in the
northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not reported felt in this remote area.
This event occurred within several minutes of local solar noon and was probably
triggered by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
This continues a series of earthquakes in this area which began on March 21, 2026
with M 6.6 and today's event appears to be the strongest aftershock of that to date.
Incidentally that mainshock also occurred near local solar n0on.
At the time this summary noted:
"An earthquake of M 6.7 occurred today in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not reported
felt in this remote epicentral area and no tsunami was expected nor observed.
This is the second largest earthquake in the world in the year 2026 following
an M 7.1 in Malaysia on February 22, 2026. It follows an M 6.6 in the
South Shetland Islands on March 20, 2026 (see previous issues of this summary).
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
the North Atlantic Ridge in more than 35 years. An M 6.4 hit near this
epicenter on June 10, 1991 the only recent comparable event. The only
earthquakes of M>=6.7 in this area in the historical record occurred
on March 26, 1980 (M 6.8) and on January 9, 1922 (M 7.1) making this a
significant regional earthquake.
It occurred near local solar noon at a longitude which saw the maximum
tidal stress with the new moon of March 19, 2026 as reported in previous issues
of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands." (March 17-19, 2026).
This epicenter is also nearly antipodal to the only Tropical Cyclone
currently active - TC Narelle. This storm is currently at 13S 137E over northern
Australia with winds up to 100 kts and moving to the southwest. The antipode of
this is at 13N 43W near the position of today's M 6.7 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic.
This summary had expected a possible significant earthquake in this area at this time as:
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 42W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some antipodal seismicity is possible in the next day or two." (March 20-21, 2026)
In addition to being nearly antipodal to TC Narelle this epicenter is at 144 degrees
from Malaysia and may have been promoted by energy from those sources." (March 21, 2026)
This epicenter is at 144-146 degrees (node 5) from Vanuatu and Malaysia and may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 30MAR2026 14:43:32 24.0N 45.8W ML=5.3 NEIC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 30MAR2026 14:43:33 24.0N 45.8W MB=5.3 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
An unusual earthquake of M 4.3 also occurred today in Botswana, South Africa
today. It was not immediately reported felt but was probably felt lightly
in the epicentral area. The last earthquake with M>=4.3 in Botswana within
about 100 km of this epicenter was reported by NEIC more than 35 years ago.
This event occurred 17 minutes after the Vanuatu M 7.3 at a distance of
125 degrees. Diffracted p-waves from Vanuatu had arrived at the Botswana
epicenter a couple of minutes before the earthquake there and may have helped
trigger it.
O: 30MAR2026 09:01:04 25.1S 24.9E ML=4.3 EMSC BOTSWANA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.8 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Pauma Valley, Santa Ysabel, Julian, Ramona, Alpine, Escondido, Valley Center, Descanso, Vista and Pine Valley.
EMSC reported a rumble and a small jolt at Valley Center.
O: 30MAR2026 22:51:28 33.2N 116.8W ML=2.8 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 30MAR2026 22:51:28 33.2N 116.8W ML=2.8 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 30MAR2026 19:24:48 33.1N 116.7W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Ferndale, Petrolia, Fortuna and Rio Dell.
O: 30MAR2026 19:18:59 40.3N 124.5W ML=3.4 NEIC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 30MAR2026 19:18:50 40.3N 125.3W ML=3.1 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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 Ukiah and Potter Valley.
O: 30MAR2026 16:12:04 39.3N 123.2W MD=2.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 30MAR2026 16:12:04 39.2N 123.2W ML=2.5 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Nicaragua was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Nicaragua.
O: 30MAR2026 07:30:28 11.4N 86.9W ML=5.4 NEIC NICARAGUA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge was not reported felt in this remote area.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from Vanuatu and Malaysia and
mayhave been promoted ty constructive energy interference from those sources.
It is also at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Honshu, Japan and the sixth node (60 degrees) from Tonga
and may have been promoted by constructive interference of energy from those
souces as well.
O: 30MAR2026 10:14:20 47.8S 116.0E MB=5.1 EMSC WESTERN INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
O: 30MAR2026 10:14:19 47.8S 116.0E ML=5.1 NEIC INDIAN-ANTARCTIC RIDGE
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Kyrgyzstan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kyrgyzstan in Almaty.
This epicenter is at 102 degrees from Vanuatu and may have been promoted
by energy from that source at the seventh node.
O: 31MAR2026 07:20:57 41.9N 74.8E MB=4.3 EMSC KYRGYZSTAN
O: 31MAR2026 07:20:57 41.9N 74.8E ML=4.3 EMSC KYRGYZSTAN
This event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.7 in Kazakhstan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kazakhstan in Tekeli, Taldykorgan, Turgen, Kapshagay, Pervomayka, Burunday, Almaty, Chemolgan.
This event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
This epicenter is near 100 degrees from Vanuatu and may have been promoted
by energy from that source at the seventh node.
O: 31MAR2026 06:11:58 44.5N 79.6E ML=4.7 EMSC KAZAKHSTAN
O: 31MAR2026 06:11:58 44.5N 79.6E MB=4.7 EMSC EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN
O: 31MAR2026 08:23:32 44.6N 79.5E mb=4.6 EMSC EASTERN KAZAKHSTAN
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:
There are no tropical cyclones currently active
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 30, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
Cook Strait NZ M 4.0 01:34 UT
3290 0240 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
Vanuatu M 7.3 08:44 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 03:31 UT
Vancouver M 3.8 03:35 UT
Gulf of Mexico M 3.9 02:25 UT
3400 2040 2047 2052 C2.1 (March 30, 2026) 1.4E-03
Georgia (US) M 2.0 20:43 UT
3410 2358 0006 0014 C1.5 (March 30, 2026) 1.4E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled April 2 major storms March 31 minor storms April 1. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 10% proton storm: 50%
AP Indicies: global: 12, high: 20, mid-latitude: 11, time of max AP: 09:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 3.33 0700-0900, March 30; Sunspot Number: 143; Radio Flux: 152
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 fromlow 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.
March 30, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A major solar flare of X1.4 class was recorded by SWPC starting at about 02:45 UT
and lasting for up to six hours after that on March 30, 2026.
Preliminary data from SWPC for this and a C1.6 solar flare two hours earlier
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0245 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
This is the strongest flare catalogued by SWPC during 2026. The last solar flare
of equal or larger intensity was #2550 - an X1.9 on June 19, 2025. These flares
began while the region near 165 East Longitude to 135 East longitude was
at local solar noon conditions. A major earthquake in this longitude range
would therefore be expected following these flares. This longitude range includes
the Vanuatu and Solomon and New Guinea areas in the south and Guam, Kamchatka,
Honshu, Hokkaido among others in the the north.
A major earthquake of M 7.3 followed the X1.4 flare 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. At the time of the M 7.3 on December 17, 2024
this summary noted:
"An M 7.3-7.4 earthquake hit the area of southern Vanuatu today. NEIC reported extensive damage and intensity up to IX at Isangel, Tafea and VIII in Vila Shefa, Vanuatu. Lesser intensities of IV were felt in New Caledonia at Bouloupari and II in Dumbea, Noumea and Paita.
The earthquake damaged buildings and cars and killed at least one person in the capital of Vanuatu - Port Vila. Some
people were trapped in collapsed building, some of which fell on vehicles and
sidewalks filled with Christmas vendors. A number were injured and roads leading to the port and
shipping terminal were closed due to landslides. Video and pictures on
the web showed considerately damage to U.S., French, New Zealand and British embassies.
most of which were closed after the quake. Communications was out throughout
most of Vanuatu and casualties are expected to rise. An M 5.5 aftershock followed. EMSC reported the M 7.4 was felt with
intensity III in Noumea, and Tadine New Caledonia south of Vanuatu. A tsunami was considered likely
with this event but a warning was dropped several hours later when only small
tsunami waves were observed. This earthquake is located near
the fourth node (90 degrees) from the M 7.0 off Northern California of
December 5 and may have been promoted by far-field effects from that source. Other
unusual earthquakes in the past several days at the fourth node from the M 7.0
in Northern California have occurred as an M 6.4 in Maule, Chile and an M 4.9-5.0
yesterday in northern Algeria. An unusual M 5.2 also occurred near the fourth
node from California today in the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This summary had expected enhanced seismicity
near 90 degrees after the California quake was likely among others at:
"Far field seismicity is generally enhanced at nodal distances near 360/n degrees
where n is a small integer. At the time of the California event this summary noted the possibility of
an extensive far-field aftershock series as:
...
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Coast of Northern California to Algeria, New Guinea, Romania, Kermadec Is. New Ireland, Algeria, Central Chile, Spain, Taiwan, Algeria, Morocco, China, Bismarck Sea, Serbia, New Guinea, Central Mid-Atlantic" (December 5, 2024)
It also occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by tidal
stresses with that event as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive on December 15, 2024 at 09:02 UT. Longitudes at local solar noon were near 45 East while those at local solar midnight are near 135 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 and east Africa. These and surrounding areas are the most likely to see tidally enhanced seismicity at this time." (December 13-15, 2024)
Two earthquakes of M>=7.4 have occurred in the world during the past year -
an M 7.5 on January 1, 2024 and an M 7.4 in Taiwan on April 2, 2024.
Today's event of M 7.4 is the strongest within about 400 km in Vanuatu since
an M 7.5 on November 26, 1999 and an M 7.4 on October 11, 1992 - an event
that followed several months after an M 7.1 off northern California of April 25, 1992." (December 17, 2024)
When an M 7.1 hit this area of Vanuatu on January 2, 2012, the last such event
in the region. This summary recorded the following far-field triggering possibilities
associated with this event:
DISTANCE RELATIONS BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES
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 off 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. Today we show only nodal distances from Siberia in stipples.
Antipodal (180 degrees)
Vanuatu to Atlantic Ocean west of northern Africa
Outer shadow zone edge (142-150 degrees)
Vanuatu to Greece, Italy, Crete, Macedonia, North Atlantic Ridge, France,
Node 3 (120 degrees)
Vanuatu to Serbia, Svalbard, Yemen, New York, Indian Ocean, Greenland Sea, Iran, Northern Colombia, Quebec,
Inner shadow zone edge (101-110 degrees)
Vanuatu to Peru, Western Texas, Missouri, Kyrgyzstan, Scotia Sea, Central Chile, Arctic Ocean, Pakistan, Xinjiang, China, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Mexico, Guatemala, Tajikistan, South of Africa, South Sandwich Islands, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Mexico, Oklahoma, Hindu Kush,
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Vanuatu to Washington State, Gulf of California, Central China, Revillo Gigedo Island, Mexico, Jalisco, Mexico, Nevada, Nepal, Arizona, Oregon, Northern, Central East Pacific Rise, Nepal, Utah, Gulf of California,
Node 5 (72 degrees)
Vanuatu to Fox Islands, Aleutians, Laos, Sumatra,
Node 6 (60 degrees)
Vanuatu to Honshu, Japan, Kuril Islands, Taiwan, Sumatra, Pacific-Antarctic Ridge, Java, Kyushu, Japan,
Node 7 (51 degrees)
Vanuatu to Mindanao, Minahasa, Hawaii, South of Australia, Bonin/Izu Islands, Japan,
A moderate geomagnetic storm reached its peak at the time of the M 7.3 in
Vanuatu with k-index at high latitude of 5+ and could have contributed to
the strength of this earthquake which lies near the geomagnetic equator.
GOES 19 magnetometer showed this disturbance peaking at aout 07:00 UT with GOES 19
about a half hour later.
A tropical cyclone (TC 28P) passed near this epicenter in Vanuatu less
than a week ago and may have set this area up for a significant regional
earthquake. At the time this summary noted:
"TC 28P 2026-03-23 00:00 UT 17.2S 162.5E 50 kts West of Vanuatu
Tropical Cyclone 28P formed in the region of west of Central Vanuatu today with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast over the next several days and could help prooote seismicity in southern Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands in the next couple of days. It will arrive in the Loyalty Islands around March 24-25. The antipode is at 17N 19W - a non seismic area of northern African and the eastern Atlantic" (March 23-25, 2026)
This epicenter is at 103 degrees (node 7) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and at the seventh node (52 degrees) from the
South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy
interference from those sources and at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 30MAR2026 08:44:10 15.3S 167.3E ML=7.3 EMSC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 08:44:13 15.3S 167.6E ML=7.3 NEIC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 08:44:07 15.3S 167.5E ML=5.4 NEIC VANUATU
O: 30MAR2026 09:02:29 15.3S 167.6E ML=5.0 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Nicaragua was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Nicaragua.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in the Gulf of America (Mexico) was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Gulf of America (Mexico) in Florida at Lake Butler and Clearwater.
This is an unusual earthquake epicenter. The last event of M>=3.9 within about
200 km of this epicenter in the Gulf area was recorded by NEIC as an M 4.6 on May
6. 2018 and prior to that an M 5.8 om September 10, 2006.
At that the time this summary noted:
"The most unusual earthquake of the day occurred in the Gulf of Mexico south of
Louisiana. NEIC reported it was felt in southern Lousiana in the Mississippi Delta, Buras, Raccoon Point Islands, Saint Bernard, Belle Chasse, New Orleans, Marrero, Harvey, Houma, Arna, Westwego, in Mississippi at Ocean Springs, Gulfport and Pass Christian; in Lumberton, Texas, Sarasota, Englewood, Cape Coral and North Miami Beach, Florida and Phenix City, Alabama among others and within about 900 km of the epicenter.
As this epicenter is located directly north of the activity in El Salvador it
is likely it was promoted by those earthquakes. The only earthquakes of M>=4.6 in the past 30 years to occur
in the northern Gulf of Mexico within about 300 km of this epicenter were a pair
in 2006 of M 5.3 on February 10 and 5.8-5.9 on September 10, 2006." (May 6, 2018)
It may be of interest that today's event in the Gulf occurred following
moderate earthquakes in Nicaragua of M 5.4 - similar to those of May 6, 2018.
Today's earthquake occurred near the start of the X1.4 solar flare today and
may have been affected by preliminaries to that flare. Data on this flare
from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3290 0220 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
Vanuatu M 7.3 08:44 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 03:31 UT
Vancouver M 3.8 03:35 UT
Gulf of Mexico M 3.9 02:25 UT
This epicenter is at 109 degrees from Vanuatu.
O: 30MAR2026 02:22:47 26.2N 88.3W ML=3.9 NEIC GULF OF AMERICA
O: 30MAR2026 02:22:47 26.2N 88.3W ML=3.9 EMSC GULF OF MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in Pecos with IV and in El Paso with II.
O: 30MAR2026 01:27:22 31.8N 103.8W ML=3.7 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 08:10:42 31.7N 104.5W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 29MAR2026 23:41:25 31.8N 103.8W ML=2.3 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 01:27:23 31.8N 103.8W Mw=3.8 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 01:57:05 31.8N 103.8W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 02:10:35 31.8N 103.8W ML=3.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 02:17:40 31.8N 103.8W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 02:56:48 31.8N 103.8W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 07:30:46 31.8N 103.8W ML=3.2 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 30MAR2026 07:33:44 31.8N 103.9W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan in Ginowan, Okinawa.
This series began near the peak of the X1.4 solar flare (see aove)
and may have been promoted by SFE from it. Data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0245 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
Vanuatu M 7.3 08:44 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 03:31 UT
Vancouver M 3.8 03:35 UT
O: 30MAR2026 02:12:44 26.2N 128.9E MB=4.6 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 30MAR2026 03:31:18 26.3N 128.9E mb=4.7 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 30MAR2026 04:04:11 26.3N 128.9E mb=4.7 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 30MAR2026 01:12:31 26.3N 128.9E MW=5.1 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 30MAR2026 01:12:30 26.2N 128.8E ML=5.1 NEIC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
O: 30MAR2026 03:31:18 26.3N 128.9E ML=4.7 EMSC RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in eastern San Francisco Bay, California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California at Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Francisco, Danville.
Two of these occurred near local solar noon and midnight and may have
been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
O: 29MAR2026 21:19:43 37.8N 121.9W ML=2.5 NEIC SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA BAY
O: 29MAR2026 21:19:43 37.8N 122.0W MD=2.4 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
O: 29MAR2026 08:05:17 37.9N 121.8W MD=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
O: 30MAR2026 02:00:00 37.9N 121.8W MD=2.1 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Papua New Guinea was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Papua New Guinea in Panguna North Solomons.
This epicenter is located at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the North
Geomagnetic pole and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and is on the geomagnetic equator. It is likely to have been promoted
by recent geomagnetic storms.
O: 29MAR2026 18:09:56 5.4S 153.7E MW=5.4 EMSC NEW IRELAND REGION, P.N.G.
O: 29MAR2026 18:09:56 5.4S 153.7E ML=5.4 NEIC PAPUA NEW GUINEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada was felt with in the epicentral area.
This earthquake occurred near the peak of the X1.4 solar flare (see aove)
and may have been promoted by SFE from it. Data on this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0245 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
Vanuatu M 7.3 08:44 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 03:31 UT
Vancouver M 3.8 03:35 UT
This epicenter is at the sixth node from Honshu, Japan and may have been
promoted by energy from that source.
O: 29MAR2026 17:50:19 50.7N 130.1W ML=4.2 NEIC VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C., CANADA
O: 29MAR2026 17:50:20 50.6N 130.1W MW=4.2 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGIO
O: 29MAR2026 09:54:13 50.8N 130.5W ML=2.9 EMSC VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGION
An unusual earthquake off western Vancouver, B.C. also occurred today near the peak of
the X1.4 solar flare (see above). This is the strongest earthquake recorded
within about 250 km of this epicenter since a series in 2014 starting with an M 3.9
on February 25, 2014. At that time this summary noted:
"Following the X4.9 flare which occurred early on February 25, global seismicity
was relatively low. Effects from the flare may have been felt, not in large
earthquakes but rather in highly unusual earthquakes. Of these, an M 3.8 in
northeastern Montana and an M 4.7 (off the west coast of Vancouver, Canada of M 4.0) and in South Western Australia were of special
note. The earthquakes in Montana and Vancouver were the strongest recorded within 200 km of
those epicenters in at least 25 years." (February 25, 2014)
Flare parameters for the event of February 25, 2014 from SWPC were reported as:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux
#-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
700 0039 0049 0103 X4.9 (February 25, 2014) 4.3E-01
Vancouver Canada M 3.9 19:01 UT
O: 30MAR2026 03:35:01 51.8N 140.8W ML=3.8 EMSC WEST OF VANCOUVER ISLAND
An unusual earthquake of M 4.3 also occurred today in Botswana, South Africa
today. It was not immediately reported felt but was probably felt lightly
in the epicentral area. The last earthquake with M>=4.3 in Botswana within
about 100 km of this epicenter was reported by NEIC more than 35 years ago.
This event occurred 17 minutes after the Vanuatu M 7.3 at a distance of
125 degrees. Diffracted p-waves from Vanuatu had arrived at the Botswana
epicenter a couple of minutes before the earthquake there and may have helped
trigger it.
O: 30MAR2026 09:01:04 25.1S 24.9E ML=4.3 EMSC BOTSWANA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.7 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Frazier Park.
O: 29MAR2026 17:25:00 34.9N 119.0W ML=2.7 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 29MAR2026 17:25:00 34.9N 119.0W ML=2.7 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Guam was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guam in Mangilao.
O: 29MAR2026 15:06:26 13.6N 145.2E ML=4.5 NEIC GUAM
O: 29MAR2026 15:06:27 13.7N 145.1E MB=4.5 EMSC GUAM REGION
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:
There are no tropical cyclones currently active
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 29, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3270 0034 0048 0059 C1.6 (March 30, 2026) 2.0E-03
3290 0240 0319 0900 X1.4 (March 30, 2026) 3.0E-01 *
Vanuatu M 7.3 08:44 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 03:31 UT
Vancouver M 3.8 03:35 UT
Gulf of Mexico M 3.9 02:25 UT
3150 0542 0547 0553 C1.6 (March 29, 2026) 1.1E-03
3170 1557 1700 1831 C2.1 (March 29, 2026) 1.5E-02
New Guinea M 4.6 16:14 UT
Banda Sea M 4.2 16:30 UT
Vancouver M 4.2 17:50 UT
3180 1954 1959 2003 C2.5 (March 29, 2026) 1.4E-03
Guatemala M 4.1 19:54 UT
3190 2129 2133 2136 C1.5 (March 29, 2026) 7.5E-04
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled April 1 major storms March 31 minor storms March 30. Solar M-flare chance: 55% X-class: 10% proton storm: 50%
AP Indicies: global: 14, high: 18, mid-latitude: 11, time of max AP: 09:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 3.67 0000-0600, March 29; Sunspot Number: 125; Radio Flux: 158
March 29, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A moderate geomagnetic storm may have begun around 08:15 UT on March 28, 2026.
A moderate incurease in the GOES-18 intensity of the geomagnetic field strength
on that satellite magnetometer coincides with this change. This corresponds
to local solar midnight in the area of western U.S. where some seismic enhancement
may follow. K-index for high latitudes peaked near 08:00 UT with K of 5 on March 28.
A sudden increase in geomagnetic field strenth also occurred today as recorded on the GOES-19 magnetometer
at about 05:15 UT. Longitudes at local solar noon at this time are near 100 East
and at midnight at 80 West. These areas could see enhanced seismicity today.
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an intermediate focus M 5.9 event in the
Banda Sea, Indonesia. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Timor, Indonesia at Dili.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Timor at Baukau, Dili.
O: 28MAR2026 18:38:29 7.5S 127.8E ML=5.9 NEIC BANDA SEA INDONESIA
O: 28MAR2026 18:38:28 7.6S 127.8E MW=5.9 EMSC KEPULAUAN BARAT DAYA, INDONESI
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.1 in north-western Kansas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of north-western Kansass with III in Weskan, Sharon Springs and II in Oakley, Wichita and in Dalhart, Texas.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Tonga and at the seventh
node (52 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted
by energy from those sources.
O: 28MAR2026 20:31:58 38.9N 102.0W ML=3.1 EMSC KANSAS
O: 28MAR2026 20:31:58 38.9N 102.0W ML=3.1 NEIC KANSAS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Valparasio, Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Valparasio, Chile with IV at Quillota, Villa Aleman; II in La Ligua and II in San Antonio, Vina del Mar.
Like the earthquake in Kansas (see above) this epicenter is at the fourth node
(990 degrees from Tonga and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 28MAR2026 19:52:23 32.5S 71.8W ML=4.2 NEIC VALPARAISO, CHILE
O: 28MAR2026 19:52:21 32.5S 71.8W MB=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
The series of light ot moderate earthquakes continued today in Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands with maximum of M 4.0 in the Virgin Islands. This series
was noted in the previous issue of this summary as:
"... an M 4.2 in the area of Saint Martin and the Bottom, Bonaire, Sainte Eustatius and Saba, Leeward Islands.
This is the strongest earthquake in this area since an M 4.4 on August 5, 2025.
The last event of significantly larger magnitude in the area was an M 5.0 on April 19, 2014." (March 28, 2026)
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic
Pole and near the antipode of TC Narelle and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 28MAR2026 15:28:25 19.5N 64.0W MD=4.0 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 29MAR2026 04:05:52 19.0N 64.9W MD=3.1 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 28MAR2026 15:28:25 19.5N 64.0W ML=4.0 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
O: 28MAR2026 19:34:35 18.0N 64.0W MD=3.4 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
The series in Guerrero, Mexico also continued today with events of M 5.2 and M 4.9. NEIC reported this earthquake was felt with intensity II in Mexico at Tlalnepantla and in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca. This series had
been discussed in the previous issue of this summary as:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Guerrero, Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guerrero, Mexico at Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca and Tlalnepantla.
The M 4.7 aftershock occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar
midnight and may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects
which maximize near this hour.
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and at 101 degrees from Honshu, Japan and like the activity in the Virgin
Islands at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources." (March 28, 2026)
O: 28MAR2026 15:02:10 16.5N 98.4W MW=4.9 NEIC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 12:57:53 16.3N 98.6W MW=5.2 NEIC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 09:00:33 15.8N 98.6W ML=4.4 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 07:56:09 16.0N 98.6W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 10:36:12 16.0N 98.3W mb=4.3 EMSC OFFSHORE OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 12:57:56 16.4N 98.5W Mw=5.1 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 29MAR2026 04:53:28 16.4N 98.3W ML=4.2 EMSC OAXACA, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 15:02:11 16.6N 98.4W mb=4.9 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 12:29:24 16.7N 98.2W mb=4.8 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California in Baker.
O: 28MAR2026 12:08:03 35.6N 116.2W MW=3.3 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28MAR2026 12:08:02 35.6N 116.2W ML=3.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in SE Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of SE Honshu, Japann in Kobubunji and Tokyo and in Yokosuka, Kanagawa.
O: 28MAR2026 10:36:16 35.0N 139.6E MW=4.1 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 28MAR2026 10:36:16 35.0N 139.6E ML=4.0 EMSC NEAR S. COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Papua New Guinea was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Papua New Guinea near Abepura.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees( from the North Geomagnetic
Pole and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic pole and
at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Tonga and may have been promoted
by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 28MAR2026 07:35:46 3.6S 140.3E MB=5.2 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 28MAR2026 07:35:41 3.6S 140.3E MW=5.4 NEIC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 28MAR2026 07:35:41 3.6S 140.3E MB=5.4 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
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:
There are no tropical cyclones currently active
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 28, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3050 0216 0416 0535 M1.3 (March 28, 2026) 9.3E-02
Mindanao M 5.1 03:33 UT
Guerrero M 4.5 04:27 UT
Southern California M 2.0... 05:30 UT
3100 1118 1135 1157 C4.1 (March 28, 2026) 8.5E-03
Myanmar M 4.3 11:25 UT
3130 2017 2025 2034 C1.9 (March 28, 2026) 1.8E-03
3140 2100 2110 2117 C2.1 (March 28, 2026) 2.0E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled March 29 active March 31 minor storms March 30. Solar M-flare chance: 50% X-class: 10% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 11, high: 15, mid-latitude: 8, time of max AP: 08:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 3.33 2100-2400, March 28; Sunspot Number: 116; Radio Flux: 162
March 28, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A moderate geomagnetic storm may have begun around 08:15 UT on March 28, 2026.
A moderate incurease in the GOES-18 intensity of the geomagnetic field strength
on that satellite magnetometer coincides with this change. This corresponds
to local solar midnight in the area of western U.S. where some seismic enhancement
may follow.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in Papua New Guinea was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Papua New Guinea near Abepura.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees( from the North Geomagnetic
Pole and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic pole and
at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Tonga and may have been promoted
by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 28MAR2026 07:35:41 3.6S 140.3E MW=5.4 NEIC PAPUA, INDONESIA
O: 28MAR2026 07:35:41 3.6S 140.3E MB=5.4 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Guerrero, Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guerrero, Mexicon Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca and Tlalnepantla.
The M 4.7 aftershock occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar
midnight and may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects
which maximize near this hour.
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and at 101 degrees from Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 28MAR2026 04:27:07 16.6N 98.3W MW=4.6 NEIC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 04:27:04 16.5N 98.4W MB=4.6 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
O: 28MAR2026 06:29:17 16.5N 98.4W mb=4.7 EMSC GUERRERO, MEXICO
The series of light ot moderate earthquakes continued today in Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands with maximum of M 4.2 in the area of Saint Martin and the Bottom, Bonaire, Sainte Eustatius and Saba, Leeward Islands.
This is the strongest earthquake in this area since an M 4.4 on August 5, 2025.
The last event of significantly larger magnitude in the area was an M 5.0 on April 19, 2014. At
the time this summary noted:
"A pair of moderate earthquakes also hit the Caribbean today. The largest of these
was in the Leeward Islands (M 5.0-5.3) while an M 3.9-4.3 also occurred north
of this in the Virgin Islands. This area is still unstable and near a major
earthquake and these may be signs of this instability. Forecast 79446 had
expected both these events within about 50 km of the epicenters to occur
around April 19. The M 5.0 in the Leeward Islands near Anguilla is the strongest
in that area in nearly a year - since an M 5.3 on April 30, 2013.
Local News reported the earthquake of M 5.0 in the Leeward Islands was felt with moderate intensity in St. Kitts and Nevis about 50 km from the epicenter.
No damages or casualties were reported. NEIC reported this earthquake occurred in the Saint Martin Region, Leeward Islands with intensity II-III in
the Netherlands Antilles at Philippsburg and in the Netherlands Antilles at Simpson Bay and OPhillipsburg and
with intensity II in Maunabo, Puerto Rico." (April 20, 2014)
Thoday's series was discussed in the previous issue of this summary as:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Anguilla was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Anguilla.
This is a somewhat unusual earthquake epicenter. While the region of the Virgin
Islands is often active and saw an M 5.2 last week on March 19, 2026, the last earthquake with M>=3.8 within about 50 km of today's earthquake
in Anguilla was an M 3.9 on August 29, 2025.
TC Narelle passed over the antipode to this epicenter yesterday (March 26)
and had been expected to trigger antipodal activity in Anguilla at this time
are reported in this summary ar the time as:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-26 00:00 UT 19.6S 115.4E 135 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 135 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 19N 65W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promoted seismicity in that area at that time." (March 26, 2026)
and
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 18N 61W in the area east of the northern Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 25-26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area." (March 25, 2026)
In addition to being antipodal to TC Narelle, this epicenter is at the fifth
node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted
by energy from that source." (March 27, 2026)
O: 27MAR2026 21:26:06 17.7N 63.6W MW=4.2 NEIC THE BOTTOM, BONAUIRE, SAINT EUSTATIUS, SABA LEEWARD ISLANDS
O: 27MAR2026 21:26:06 17.7N 63.6W MD=4.2 EMSC ST. MARTIN REGION, LEEWARD ISL
O: 28MAR2026 02:48:15 18.5N 65.1W MW=3.4 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Central Pakistan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Pakistan near Mianwali with V in Isa Khel Punjab, Pakistan.
O: 28MAR2026 01:20:01 32.6N 71.3E MW=4.5 NEIC PAKISTAN
O: 28MAR2026 01:20:00 32.6N 71.3E MB=4.5 EMSC PAKISTAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1-4.2 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California with III in SunCity, Pasadena, North Hollywood, Newberry Springs, Hawthorne, Wrightwood, Palmdale, Victorville and Valley Village and III in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This earthquake is the strongest within about 100 km of this epicenter in Southern
California since an M 4.9 on July 29, 2025 and prior to that an M 4.6 on January 25, 2024.
At the time of the event in July, 2025 this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake shook southern California today with M 4.9. NEIC and the press
reported it was felt with intensity up to VI in Barstow and Los Angeles areas.
EMSC reported moderate shaking with a rolling motion with earthquake noises in California at Fort Irwin,
Helendale, Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Big Bear City, Adelanto, Cedar Glen, Yucca Valley, Pinon Hills, Edwards, Trona, Pinon Hills, Morongo Valley, San Bernardino, Searles Valley, Redlands, Yucaipa, Ridgecrest, California City, Loma Linda, Twentynine Palms, Beaumont, Fontana and as far as Bakersfield and Simi Valley more than 200 km from the epicenter.
It occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably promoted
by strong geomagnetic and tidal stresses which maximize near this hour.
A number of smaller aftershocks were felt with light intensity in the Barstow
area. This is a remote area of southern California and no major damage
was reported with this earthquake. Today's earthquake of M 4.9 is the strongest
recorded in Southern California within about 100 km of today's epicenter since an M 5.1
on December 6, 2008. At the time this summary noted:
"A moderate earthquake of M 5.1 hit the area of Southern California today in
the region of Ludlow which an event of M 7.0 in 1999 may have stressed to
near rupture. Today's earthquake was felt throughout Southern California and
into Arizona, Utah and Nevada. Maximum intensity IV was reported at Pahrump,
NV and in California at Pearblossom, Little Rock, Thousand Palms, Twentynine
Palms, Fort Irwin, Fontana, Loma Linda, Newberry Springs, San Diego, La Puente,
San Fernando, Encino, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Whittier, Los Angeles,
and in general within about 200 km of the epicenter. Likewise intensity II-III
was felt within about 250 km of the earthquake and intensity I was felt throughout
the remainder of the region according to data on the NEIC website.
AP reported no immediate damage or casualties from the earthquake.
We have been undergoing the strongest geomagnetic storm in the past month
over the past three days. Sudden changes in geomagnetic field can change
the fault parameters such that an earthquake may occur simultaneously with
such change. This often, but not always occurs. Southern California often
shows such triggering. In the case today, a strong and sudden geomagnetic change in
Hp, Hn and in the total field occurred. SEC shows data indicating the
Hn field increased from 0.9e+1 to 1.6e+1 nT from 03:40 to 04:23 UT and was
accompanied by equivalent changes in the total field and the Hp field both
maximizing between 04:10 and 04:20 UT. The M 5.1 in Southern California
occurred at then end of this field change at 04:18 UT. This is not the first
time such observations have been made but is found more often than not
especially in this region of California. This suggest direct triggering of the earthquake by
the geomagnetic change." (December 6, 2008, July 29, 2024)
O: 27MAR2026 22:13:14 34.8N 116.4W ML=4.2 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27MAR2026 22:23:19 34.8N 116.4W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27MAR2026 22:28:24 34.8N 116.4W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28MAR2026 03:02:22 34.8N 116.4W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28MAR2026 05:30:34 34.8N 116.4W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28MAR2026 05:34:04 34.8N 116.4W ML=2.0 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28MAR2026 06:09:06 34.8N 116.4W ML=3.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 28MAR2026 06:25:10 34.8N 116.4W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 27MAR2026 22:13:14 34.8N 116.4W MW=4.1 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Pakistan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Pakistan in the epicentral area.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (51 degrees) from Malaysia and the third node (120 degrees)
from Tonga and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. It is also near
the sixth node from Honshu and the North Geomagnetic Pole.
O: 27MAR2026 07:35:46 28.3N 67.2E MW=4.5 NEIC PAKISTAN
O: 27MAR2026 07:35:46 28.3N 67.3E MB=4.5 EMSC PAKISTAN
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:
There are no tropical cyclones currently active
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2860 0255 0301 0305 C3.6 (March 27, 2026) 2.3E-03
Kashmir M 4.3 03:01 UT
2870 0353 0400 0403 C2.8 (March 27, 2026) 1.6E-03
Central East Pacific Rise M 4.9 03:59 UT
2880 0647 0656 0703 C3.6 (March 27, 2026) 2.7E-03
Izu Is. M 4.7 06:57 UT
Ryukyu Is. M 4.0 07:01 UT
Southern California M 2.0 06:57 UT
2890 0807 0814 0818 C2.3 (March 27, 2026) 1.3E-03
2900 0840 0844 0847 C1.6 (March 27, 2026) 7.3E-04
2920 0924 0946 0949 C2.2 (March 27, 2026) 3.3E-03
Kuril Is. M 4.4 09:26 UT
2930 0949 1002 1013 C5.4 (March 27, 2026) 6.4E-03
South of Alaska M 3.0 09:48 UT
Seram M 4.0 10:04 UT
Baja California M 3.2 10:12 UT
2980 1336 1341 1346 C1.9 (March 27, 2026) 1.2E-03
Oaxaca M 4.2 13:45 UT
2990 1359 1405 1410 C2.1 (March 27, 2026) 1.4E-03
Michoacan M 4.1 14:13 UT
3000 1817 1826 1834 C3.5 (March 27, 2026) 2.5E-03
Afghanistan M 4.3 19:26 UT
3010 1905 1913 1922 C2.5 (March 27, 2026) 2.2E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled March 29 active March 30 quiet March 28. Solar M-flare chance: 45% X-class: 5% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 7, high: 16, mid-latitude: 6, time of max AP: 16:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 2.33 2100-2400, March 27; Sunspot Number: 152; Radio Flux: 156
A moderate geomagnetic storm may have begun around 08:15 UT on March 28, 2026.
A moderate incurease in the GOES-18 intensity of the geomagnetic field strength
on that satellite magnetometer coincides with this change. This corresponds
to local solar midnight in the area of western U.S. where some seismic enhancement
may follow.
March 27, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A moderate geomagnetic storm occurred today at high latitudes. K-index for this
storm was 5 from about 1100 UT to 1600 UT on March 26, 2026. An M 6.5 earthquake
occurred at the maximum of this geomagnetic storm in the region off the coast
of northern Honshu, Japan when it was local solar midnight in Japan. Electron flux of MeV>=2 registered its peak
well abover the alert threshold around 14:20 UT at the same time as the
earthquake in Japan. The initiation of this storm appears to have begun
about the same time as an M 4.0 solar flare as there is a major disturbance
in the geomagnetic field registered by GOES-18 and GOES-19 magnetometers
at that time. This earthquake was probably triggered by effects from this geomagnetic storm
and the M4.0 solar flare. GOES-18 magnetometer also shows a strong geomagnetic disturbance in the geomagnetic field beginning
on March 27 around 02:20 UT and lasting through about 04:15 UT.
A strong earthquake occurred today off the coast of northern Honshu, Japan with M 6.5. NEIC
reported it was felt in the epicentral area of northern Honshu with intensity V in Morioka, Iwate; IV in Hakodate, Hokkairo and Misawa, Aomori and II in Sendai Miyagi and may have been felt as far as Shizuoka and Saitama Prefectures. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Sendai, Japan.
A minor tsunami could be associated with this event.
This earthquake is the strongest within about 200 km of this epicenter since an M 6.7 on December 12, 2025 about 200 km northwest of
this epicenter. The last within the 200 km radius of larger magnitude was an
M 6.7 on February 16, 2015. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.3-6.7 in the South Sandwich Islands today was followed
65 minutes later by a similar M 6.7-6.9 near the coast of northern Honshu, Japan.
Seismic waves including reflected S-waves from the South Sandwich Islands were in
the area of the epicenter in Japan when that earthquake occurred. Geomagnetic
effects from the recent geomagnetic storm may also have had a triggering effect
on these events. Promotion of seismicity in these areas may also have occurred following
the recent strong earthquakes in the North Atlantic (M 7.1) and Vanuatu (M 6.8).
The distance relations between these event and today's large earthquakes is
interesting. The earthquake in the South Sandwich Islands is at 106-108 degrees
from the North Atlantic and also at 106-108 degrees from Vanuatu. This is in the
distance zone in which seismic energy refracted and reflected from the core-mantle
boundary concentrates. Seismicity often is enhanced in this distance zone following
strong earthquakes. The earthquake in Honshu, Japan was located at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from Vanuatu and the fourth node (90 degrees) from the North Atlantic.
Both are also at the third node (120 degrees) from the series of strong earthquakes
in Molucca at the end of 2014 and some triggering from that source is likely as well.
Strong earthquakes in or near Honshu, Japan, which is in the general antipodal area of
the South Sandwich Islands often follow shortly after strong earthquakes in
the South Sandwich Islands (SSI). The last earthquakes of M>=6.5 in the South Sandwich
Is. area occurred on June 29, 2014, followed by the last strong earthquake
in Honshu - an M 6.5 on July 11, 2014. The previous event in the SSI area of
M>=6.5 hit on March 6, 2011, five days before the grea M 9.1 Fukushima earthquake
and tsunami of March 11, 2011 and three days before the M 7.1 foreshock in Honshu. The next event prior to that an M 6.9-6.9 in the SSI
are occurred on September 6, 2004 and was preceded on September 5, 2004 of M 7.4 and followed
on September 6, 2004 by a Japanese event of M 6.6. The event prior to that
in the SSI area was an M 6.6 on July 25, 1994 preceded on July 21, 1994 by
an M 7.3 in the Sea of Japan. A coupled pair also occurred when an M 6.7 in the SSI
area on January 10, 1993 was followed by a strong M 7.6 in Hokkaido on January 15, 1993.
The relation is clear. In the past 21 years there have been six earthquakes
of M>=6.5 in the SSI area. Four of these have been associated within four days
with a similar earthquake in the Honshu area and five have been so associated
within two weeks. Only one SSI event of this magnitude in the past 21 years
was not associated with a similar event in Honshu - an M 6.5-6.8 on November 7, 2000.
The earthquake in Honshu, Japan may have been immediately triggered by the
strongest solar flare of the day - a high B- or C-class flare which, according to SWPC data
began about 2304 UT, the same time as the Honshu earthquake. NEIC reported this earthquake
was felt with intensity V in Kitakami and Yamada, IV in Morioka, Misawa and II-III in Kariyama, Chitose, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Sagamihara, Tsuchiura, Musashino, Naton, Maramachi, Narita, Matsudo, Yuzawa and Wakuya,
A moderate aftershock of M 4.7 further east was felt with intensity II in Misawa, Aomori, Japan.
JMA reported the mainshock was felt with intensity IV in Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, III in Hokkaido, Yamagata, II in Fukushima, Niigata, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, and I in Tokyo, Nagano, and Shizuoka Prefectures, Japan.
JMA reported an aftershock of M 5.7 was felt with intensity 5+ in Aomori, V- in Iwate, III in Miyagi, Akita, II in Hokkaido, Yamagata, Fukushima, Ibaraki and I in Gunma, Saitama, and Niigata Prefectures, Japan.
An M 4.6 aftershock was felt with intensity I in Iwate. Other aftershocks were felt lightly in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures.
Tsunami warnings were issued by JMA but after only small tsunamis were observed, the
warnings were withdrawn. A 10-20 cm tsunami was reported in Iwate Prefecture. There
was no reported damage at nuclear power plants. No major damages or casualties
were reported with these earthquakes. Residents were warned away from the ocean
in case of further seismic activity." (February 16, 2015)
Today's Honshu earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was
probably promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near
this hour. An aftershock of M 4.6 occurred within two minutes of local solar
midnight, the largest such aftershock at the time of this writing.
A moderate geomagnetic storm peaked about the same time as the earthquake
with K-index of 5 at high latitudes. It may have helped trigger the subsequent
earthquake in Honshu.
A foreshock of M 4.6 was reported in the preliminary issue of this summary as:
This earthquake was close associated with a strong geomagnetic excursion on the GOES-18 magnetometer
and may have led to the subsequent activity in the area of Honshu.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the South Geomagnetic Pole and was
probably promoted by the recent geomagnetic storms. It is also near the
fifth node (72 degrees) from Tonga; at sixth node (60 degrees) from the strong Tropical Cyclone Narelle and
may have been promoted by energy from that source. Other earthquakes near
the fifth node from Tonga occurred as an M 4.0 in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan; Central
California, the Central East Pacific Rise (M 4.9); the Kuril Islands (M 4.7);
the Andreanof and Fox Islands, and the Alaska Peninsula.
O: 26MAR2026 08:51:54 39.5N 143.1E ML=4.6 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 26MAR2026 14:18:50 39.4N 143.4E ML=6.4 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 26MAR2026 14:37:06 39.5N 143.2E ML=4.6 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 27MAR2026 02:16:30 39.3N 142.1E ML=3.9 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 14:18:51 39.5N 143.2E Mw=6.5 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 14:47:05 39.5N 143.4E mb=4.6 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 15:10:21 39.5N 143.3E mb=4.5 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 16:20:32 39.5N 143.3E mb=4.8 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 16:55:40 39.5N 143.5E mb=4.6 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 19:56:31 39.5N 143.3E Mw=4.9 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 08:51:53 39.6N 143.2E mb=4.6 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 14:37:09 39.6N 143.0E mb=4.9 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 26MAR2026 15:59:45 39.6N 143.3E mb=4.6 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in El Paso.
This earthquake was near local solar midnight when it occurred and may have
been promoted by a moderate solar flare which occurred within minutes of
local solar midnight an hour earlier. Preliminary data from SWPC for this flare
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2700 1245 1257 1320 C2.3 (March 26, 2026) 4.8E-03
Myanmar M 4.2 13:06 UT
Honshu M 6.5 14:18 UT
2600 0611 0623 0700 M3.9 (March 26, 2026) 2.9E-02 *
Papua M 3.6 06:11 UT
Argentina M 3.4 06:11 UT
2610 0652 0658 0701 C3.3 (March 26, 2026) 1.7E-03
O: 26MAR2026 08:09:28 31.6N 104.5W ML=3.5 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26MAR2026 08:09:28 31.6N 104.5W ML=3.6 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Anguilla was likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Anguilla.
This is a somewhat unusual earthquake epicenter. While the region of the Virgin
Islands is often active and saw an M 5.2 last week on March 19, 2026, the last earthquake with M>=3.8 within about 50 km of today's earthquake
in Anguilla was an M 3.9 on August 29, 2025.
TC Narelle passed over the antipode to this epicenter yesterday (March 26)
and had been expected to trigger antipodal activity in Anguilla at this time
are reported in this summary ar the time as:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-26 00:00 UT 19.6S 115.4E 135 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 135 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 19N 65W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promoted seismicity in that area at that time." (March 26, 2026)
and
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 18N 61W in the area east of the northern Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 25-26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area." (March 25, 2026)
In addition to being antipodal to TC Narelle, this epicenter is at the fifth
node (72 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 27MAR2026 06:16:34 19.5N 63.6W ML=3.8 NEIC ANGUILLA
O: 27MAR2026 06:16:34 19.5N 63.6W MD=3.8 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 27MAR2026 05:52:36 19.1N 64.9W MD=3.2 EMSC VIRGIN ISLANDS REGION
O: 27MAR2026 05:52:36 19.1N 64.9W ML=3.2 NEIC VIRGIN ISLANDS
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 5.3, M 5.0 and M 5.0 in Pakistan were likely felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Pakistan.
NEIC reported the mainshock was felt with intensity up to IV in northwest Kashmir
at Gilgit, Pakistan. EMSC reported moderate shaking in Pakistan at Gilgit and Barishal.
The M 5.3 is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 5.6 on January 19, 2026 and is probably aftershock activity
of that event. At that time this summary noted:
"The largest earthquake at this time which was apparently triggered by
the combination solar flare and new moon energies occurred in Northwestern
Kashmir, Pakistan with M 5.7 (EMSC) to M 6.0 (GSRAS) with NEIC magnitude at M 5.9. EMSC reported it was felt with strong
intensity in Pakistan in Aliabad, Islamabad, with lesser shaking in
China and Rawalpindi, Pakistan. NEIC reported intensity VI in Northern Pakistan at Hunza and III in Rawalpindi, Punjab. This earthquake occurred within minutes of
local solar noon and the epicenter was near local midnight at the time
of the new moon and the X1.9 solar flare. The last earthquake in the area
of Kashmir, Pakistan within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5.9
occurred in March 1990 with M 6.2 on March 5 and M 6.3 on March 25, 1990 - more than 35 years ago.
The last such earthquake within about 250 km occurred on October 8, 2005
with M 7.3-7.6." (January 19, 2026)
This epicenter is at the seventh node from the earthquake today in Honshu, Japan
and from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been enhanced by constructive
energy interference from those two sources.
O: 26MAR2026 21:02:57 36.6N 74.4E ML=5.3 NEIC PAKISTAN
O: 27MAR2026 04:04:40 36.6N 74.4E ML=5.0 NEIC PAKISTAN
O: 27MAR2026 04:52:59 36.7N 74.4E ML=5.0 NEIC PAKISTAN
O: 27MAR2026 04:52:58 36.8N 74.4E MB=5.0 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
O: 26MAR2026 23:21:45 36.4N 74.3E mb=4.3 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
O: 27MAR2026 03:01:05 36.5N 74.3E mb=4.3 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
O: 26MAR2026 21:30:29 36.6N 74.4E mb=4.2 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
O: 26MAR2026 21:02:57 36.7N 74.5E mb=5.3 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
O: 27MAR2026 04:40:10 36.7N 74.4E mb=5.0 EMSC NORTHWESTERN KASHMIR
NEIC reported a series of light earthquake of M 3.1, 3.3 ... in Hawaii were felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Honokaa and Pepeekeo.
O: 27MAR2026 03:28:32 20.0N 155.4E ML=3.3 NEIC HAWAII
O: 27MAR2026 02:22:43 19.9N 155.4W ML=3.0 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
O: 27MAR2026 03:28:32 19.9N 155.3W ML=3.2 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.7 in northern New Guinea near Abepura, Indonesia was likely felt with intensity up to V in the area(s) of northern New Guinea near Abepura, Indonesia.
The last earthquake in Papua within about 200 km of this epicenter with equal
or larger magnitude than today's M 5.7 occurred on October 16, 2025 with M 6.5.
At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake of the day was an M 6.5-6.6 in the region of northern New Guinea.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Aberpura but also noted it
may have been damaging in the broader epicentral area. BMG reported intensity
up to VII in the epicentral area. The mainshock was preceded by several
foreshocks including an M 4.4. Today's event follows an M 6.1 located west
of today's epicenter in New Guinea which occurred on September 18, 2025. The last earthquake
with M>=6.3 within about 200 km of today's epicenter was an M 6.3 on August 12, 2025." (October 16, 2025)
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole
and at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and
was probably promoted by the recent major geomagnetic storms.
O: 26MAR2026 22:51:01 3.2S 139.4E ML=5.7 NEIC PAPUA NEW GUINEA
O: 26MAR2026 22:51:02 3.2S 139.4E MW=5.7 EMSC PAPUA, INDONESIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in El Salvador was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of El Salvador with IV in Zaragoza, L libertad, Nueva San Salvador III in Antiguo Cuscatlan and II in Concepcion de Ataco Ahuachapan, Apopa and Mejicanos, San Salvador and Usulutan.
EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in El Salvador at San Salvador, Antiguo Cuscatlan, Santa Tecla,and Ayutuxtepeque.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Tonga and at the third node
(120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by
constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 26MAR2026 22:11:08 13.2N 89.2W ML=4.9 NEIC EL SALVADOR
O: 26MAR2026 17:16:02 13.3N 90.1W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR
O: 26MAR2026 22:11:09 13.3N 89.2W Mw=4.9 EMSC OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR
O: 26MAR2026 11:07:58 13.5N 89.4W ML=4.2 EMSC OFFSHORE EL SALVADOR
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California with V in Stonyford, IV in Glenhaven and III in Clearlake, Kelseyville, Clearlake Oaks, Lucerne, Nice, Upper Lake and II in Pleasant Hill and North Highlands.
The last earthquake in northern California within about 50 km of this
epicenter and not part of the Geysers system with M>=3.7 was an M 4.2 on
January 13, 2026 about 50 km to the west of today's epicenter. At the time
this summary noted:
"The most widely felt earthquakes in the U.S. or Canada today ocurred in northern
California near Willits with M 4.4. It was reported by NEIC to have been felt with
intensity V in Redwood Valley; IV in Potter Valley, Willits, upper Lake, Philo; III in Pittsburg, Hopland, Ukiah, Hidden Valley Lark and Yorkville.
EMSC reported it as a strong but short shaking in California at Willits, Laytonville, Fort Bragg, and Lakeport.
An aftershock of M 3.8 was reported by NEIC to have been felt with intensity IV in California at Redwood Valley; III in Potter Valley, Point Arena, Willits, Ukiah and II in San Jose and Philo.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was probably
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter in Northern California
with M>=4.4 occurred on June 18, 2023 also with M 4.4. Three other events in this area
have occurred with M 4.4 in the past 19 years but the strongest earthquake in
the area since 2000 was an M 4.8 on April 18, 2007." (January 13, 2026)
O: 26MAR2026 17:24:54 39.3N 122.8W ML=3.7 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 26MAR2026 17:24:54 39.3N 122.8W MW=3.5 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 26MAR2026 17:59:56 39.3N 122.8W MD=2.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.5 in Nicaragua was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Nicaragua with III in Tola Rivas and Managua and II in San Juan del Sur Rivas and in Costa Rica in Guanacaste at Bagaces and Samara.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Nicaragua at Managua and Villa El Carmen and in Samara, Costa Rica.
The last earthquake in Nicaraga within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=5/5
was recorded by NEIC as occurring on December 9, 2024 with M 5.6.
Today's earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar noon and was likely
promoted by the geomagnetic storm which was winding down at this time.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Tonga and at the third node
(120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by
constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 26MAR2026 17:15:44 12.1N 86.4W ML=5.5 NEIC NICARAGUA
O: 26MAR2026 17:15:44 12.1N 86.4W MW=5.5 EMSC NICARAGUA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.0 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska in Eielson AFB.
O: 26MAR2026 14:19:45 64.4N 146.7W ML=3.0 NEIC CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 26MAR2026 14:19:45 64.4N 146.7W ML=3.0 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Chiapas, Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Chiapas, Mexico in Tuxtla Gutierrez.
This epicenter is at 144 degrees from Malaysia and at the fourth node (90 degrees)
from Tonga and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 26MAR2026 11:07:00 15.5N 93.2W ML=5.1 NEIC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26MAR2026 11:07:00 15.6N 93.2W MB=5.1 EMSC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Central Italy was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Central Italy in Massa, Prato, Pescia, Calenzano, Campi Bisenzio, Florence, Lucca, Firenze, Cascine-La Croce, Bagno a Ripoli, Vignola, Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Stiore, Fiorano, Sassuolo, San Lazzaro, San Pancrazio, Padova.
NEIC reported intensity II in Toscana, Italy at Pescia, Pistora and Florence.
A foreshock a day before was reported by EMSC to have been felt in northern Italy
in Sarzana, Carrara, Santo Stefano di Magra, Lerici, Comano, Pietrasanta, Pontremoli, Piano de Mommio, Barga, Lucca, and Madonna dell'Acqua.
The M 4.1 in Central Italy may have been promoted by SFE associated
with a C5.3 solar flare as it occurred near the peak of that flare near
local solar noon. Preliminary data for this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2620 0838 0847 0910 C5.3 (March 26, 2026) 4.4E-03 *
Central Italy M 4.1 08:40 UT
Central Honshu M 4.6 08:51 UT
Valparaiso, M 4.0 08:55 UT
Loyalty Is. M 5.0 09:08 UT
This epicenter is at 144 degrees from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been
promoted by recent strong geomagnetic storms.
O: 26MAR2026 08:40:28 44.0N 10.9E ML=4.2 EMSC CENTRAL ITALY
O: 25MAR2026 07:13:43 44.2N 10.0E ML=4.0 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Egypt was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Egypt in Hurghada.
O: 26MAR2026 20:28:42 27.5N 34.0E ML=4.2 EMSC EGYPT
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Myanmar was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Myanmar in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay, Sagaing, with a loud noise.
O: 26MAR2026 13:06:52 21.8N 96.3E ML=4.2 EMSC MYANMAR
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Valparaiso, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Santiago, Llaillay and Quillota, Chile.
O: 26MAR2026 08:55:31 32.5S 71,7W ML=4.0 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-27 00:00 UT 21.6S 114.0E 125 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 125 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 21N 66W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Puerto Rico Trench as a moderate storm around March 27 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promote seismicity in that area at that time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2590 0546 0555 0609 C1.8 (March 26, 2026) 2.5E-03
2600 0611 0623 0700 M3.9 (March 26, 2026) 2.9E-02 *
Papua M 3.6 06:11 UT
Argentina M 3.4 06:11 UT
2610 0652 0658 0701 C3.3 (March 26, 2026) 1.7E-03
2620 0838 0847 0910 C5.3 (March 26, 2026) 4.4E-03 *
Central Italy M 4.1 08:40 UT
Central Honshu M 4.6 08:51 UT
Valparaiso, M 4.0 08:55 UT
Loyalty Is. M 5.0 09:08 UT
2670 1004 1029 1039 C3.5 (March 26, 2026) 6.1E-03
2700 1245 1257 1320 C2.3 (March 26, 2026) 4.8E-03
Myanmar M 4.2 13:06 UT
Honshu M 6.5 14:18 UT
2720 1320 1329 1331 C1.8 (March 26, 2026) 1.5E-03
Honshu M 6.5 14:18 UT
2730 1518 1520 1532 C1.5 (March 26, 2026) 1.4E-03
Xinjiang China M 4.4 15:27 UT
2760 1750 1757 1800 C2.0 (March 26, 2026) 1.2E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled March 27 and 29 quiet March 28. Solar M-flare chance: 40% X-class: 5% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 10, high: 21, mid-latitude: 7, time of max AP: 14:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 3.33 1600-1900, March 26; Sunspot Number: 113; Radio Flux: 152
A moderate geomagnetic storm occurred today at high latitudes. K-index for this
storm was 5 from about 1100 UT to 1600 UT on March 26, 2026. An M 6.5 earthquake
occurred at the maximum of this geomagnetic storm in the region off the coast
of northern Honshu, Japan when it was local solar midnight in Japan. Electron flux of MeV>=2 registered its peak
well abover the alert threshold around 14:20 UT at the same time as the
earthquake in Japan. The initiation of this storm appears to have begun
about the same time as an M 4.0 solar flare as there is a major disturbance
in the geomagnetic field registered by GOES-18 and GOES-19 magnetometers
at that time. This earthquake was probably triggered by effects from this geomagnetic storm
and the M4.0 solar flare.
March 26, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
UPDATE:
A strong earthquake occurred today off the coast of northern Honshu, Japan with M 6.5. NEIC
reported it was likely felt in the epicentral area of northern Honshu with
intensity up to M 6.5. A minor tsunami could be associated with this event. Residents
are cautioned to avoid currents and ocean fronts in the area at this time. This earthquake is the strongest within about 200 km
of this epicenter since an M 6.7 on December 12, 2025 about 200 km northwest of
this epicenter. The last within the 200 km radius of larger magnitude was an
M 6.7 on February 16, 2015. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 6.3-6.7 in the South Sandwich Islands today was followed
65 minutes later by a similar M 6.7-6.9 near the coast of northern Honshu, Japan.
Seismic waves including reflected S-waves from the South Sandwich Islands were in
the area of the epicenter in Japan when that earthquake occurred. Geomagnetic
effects from the recent geomagnetic storm may also have had a triggering effect
on these events. Promotion of seismicity in these areas may also have occurred following
the recent strong earthquakes in the North Atlantic (M 7.1) and Vanuatu (M 6.8).
The distance relations between these event and today's large earthquakes is
interesting. The earthquake in the South Sandwich Islands is at 106-108 degrees
from the North Atlantic and also at 106-108 degrees from Vanuatu. This is in the
distance zone in which seismic energy refracted and reflected from the core-mantle
boundary concentrates. Seismicity often is enhanced in this distance zone following
strong earthquakes. The earthquake in Honshu, Japan was located at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from Vanuatu and the fourth node (90 degrees) from the North Atlantic.
Both are also at the third node (120 degrees) from the series of strong earthquakes
in Molucca at the end of 2014 and some triggering from that source is likely as well.
Strong earthquakes in or near Honshu, Japan, which is in the general antipodal area of
the South Sandwich Islands often follow shortly after strong earthquakes in
the South Sandwich Islands (SSI). The last earthquakes of M>=6.5 in the South Sandwich
Is. area occurred on June 29, 2014, followed by the last strong earthquake
in Honshu - an M 6.5 on July 11, 2014. The previous event in the SSI area of
M>=6.5 hit on March 6, 2011, five days before the grea M 9.1 Fukushima earthquake
and tsunami of March 11, 2011 and three days before the M 7.1 foreshock in Honshu. The next event prior to that an M 6.9-6.9 in the SSI
are occurred on September 6, 2004 and was preceded on September 5, 2004 of M 7.4 and followed
on September 6, 2004 by a Japanese event of M 6.6. The event prior to that
in the SSI area was an M 6.6 on July 25, 1994 preceded on July 21, 1994 by
an M 7.3 in the Sea of Japan. A coupled pair also occurred when an M 6.7 in the SSI
area on January 10, 1993 was followed by a strong M 7.6 in Hokkaido on January 15, 1993.
The relation is clear. In the past 21 years there have been six earthquakes
of M>=6.5 in the SSI area. Four of these have been associated within four days
with a similar earthquake in the Honshu area and five have been so associated
within two weeks. Only one SSI event of this magnitude in the past 21 years
was not associated with a similar event in Honshu - an M 6.5-6.8 on November 7, 2000.
The earthquake in Honshu, Japan may have been immediately triggered by the
strongest solar flare of the day - a high B- or C-class flare which, according to SWPC data
began about 2304 UT, the same time as the Honshu earthquake. NEIC reported this earthquake
was felt with intensity V in Kitakami and Yamada, IV in Morioka, Misawa and II-III in Kariyama, Chitose, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Sagamihara, Tsuchiura, Musashino, Naton, Maramachi, Narita, Matsudo, Yuzawa and Wakuya,
A moderate aftershock of M 4.7 further east was felt with intensity II in Misawa, Aomori, Japan.
JMA reported the mainshock was felt with intensity IV in Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, III in Hokkaido, Yamagata, II in Fukushima, Niigata, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, and I in Tokyo, Nagano, and Shizuoka Prefectures, Japan.
JMA reported an aftershock of M 5.7 was felt with intensity 5+ in Aomori, V- in Iwate, III in Miyagi, Akita, II in Hokkaido, Yamagata, Fukushima, Ibaraki and I in Gunma, Saitama, and Niigata Prefectures, Japan.
An M 4.6 aftershock was felt with intensity I in Iwate. Other aftershocks were felt lightly in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures.
Tsunami warnings were issued by JMA but after only small tsunamis were observed, the
warnings were withdrawn. A 10-20 cm tsunami was reported in Iwate Prefecture. There
was no reported damage at nuclear power plants. No major damages or casualties
were reported with these earthquakes. Residents were warned away from the ocean
in case of further seismic activity." (February 16, 2015)
Today's Honshu earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and was
probably promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near
this hour. An aftershock of M 4.6 occurred within two minutes of local solar
midnight, the largest such aftershock at the time of this writing.
A moderate geomagnetic storm peaked about the same time as the earthquake
with K-index of 5 at high latitudes. It may have helped trigger the subsequent
earthquake in Honshu.
A foreshock of M 4.6 was reported in the preliminary issue of this summary as:
This earthquake was close associated with a strong geomagnetic excursion on the GOES-18 magnetometer
and may have led to the subsequent activity in the area of Honshu.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from the South Geomagnetic Pole and was
probably promoted by the recent geomagnetic storms. It is also near the
fifth node (72 degrees) from Tonga; at sixth node (60 degrees) from the strong Tropical Cyclone Narelle and
may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 26MAR2026 08:51:54 39.5N 143.1E ML=4.6 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 26MAR2026 14:18:50 39.4N 143.4E ML=6.4 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 26MAR2026 14:37:06 39.5N 143.2E ML=4.6 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
The second strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.6 in Tonga. NEIC reported it may have been
felt with intensity III in this remote area. This event
was not part of the aftershock sequence of Samoa or the intermediate M 7.5
yesterday in Tonga but occurred on the same subuction slab with a depth
(198 km) intermediate to those two and midway between them in epicenter. It is
clearly related to this previous activity and could indicate further
seismicity on this subducting plate is still coming. An aftershock of M 5.2
occurred 6.5 minutes after the mainshock.
Like the earthquake Honshu (see above) this epicenter is also at the sixth node
(60 degrees) from TC Narelle and the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been
promoted by constructive interference of energy from those sources. It is also at
103 degrees from the North Geomagnetic Pole and at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from Malaysia and may have been promoted by energy from those regions.
O: 25MAR2026 10:17:29 15.6S 174.5W ML=5.2 NEIC TONGA
O: 25MAR2026 10:17:29 15.5S 174.5W mb=5.2 EMSC TONGA
O: 25MAR2026 10:11:00 15.6S 174.5W MW=5.6 EMSC TONGA
O: 25MAR2026 10:10:59 15.5S 174.4W ML=5.6 NEIC TONGA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in Chiapas, Mexico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Chiapas, Mexico in Tuxtla Gutierrez.
This epicenter is at 144 degrees from Malaysia and at the fourth node (90 degrees)
from Tonga and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 26MAR2026 11:07:00 15.5N 93.2W ML=5.1 NEIC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
O: 26MAR2026 11:07:00 15.6N 93.2W MB=5.1 EMSC CHIAPAS, MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in El Paso.
This earthquake was near local solar midnight when it occurred and may have
been promoted by a moderate solar flare which occurred within minutes of
local solar midnight an hour earlier. Preliminary data from SWPC for this flare
follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0610 0623 0700 M4.0 (March 26, 2026) 6.0E-02
XXXX 0652 0658 0701 C3.3 (March 26, 2026) 5.0E-03
An M 3.5 foreshock occurred and was felt in the same area several hours earlier.
O: 26MAR2026 08:09:28 31.6N 104.5W ML=3.5 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26MAR2026 02:42:29 31.7N 104.5W ML=3.5 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26MAR2026 02:14:41 31.7N 104.5W ML=3.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26MAR2026 02:42:29 31.7N 104.5W ML=3.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 26MAR2026 02:52:19 31.7N 104.4W ML=2.1 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Northern Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern Honshu, Japan in Misawa, Aomori.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Japan at Kobe, Amagaski, Osaka, and Kyoto.
O: 26MAR2026 07:37:53 40.7N 142.6E ML=4.9 NEIC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 25MAR2026 11:31:12 34.7N 135.1E ML=4.2 EMSC NEAR S. COAST OF WESTERN HONSH
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.3 in The Balleny Islands south of New Zealand was not felt in this remote area.
O: 26MAR2026 01:06:18 61.1N 154.6E ML=5.3 NEIC BALLENY ISLANDS REGION
O: 26MAR2026 01:06:18 61.4S 154.3E MW=5.3 EMSC BALLENY ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Puerto Rico was felt with intensity up to II-III in the epicentral area.
This occurred at the precise antipode of TC Narelle and may have been promoted
by energy from that source as noted in this and previous issues of this summary:
"TC NARELLE 2026-03-26 00:00 UT 19.6S 115.4E 135 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 135 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 19N 65W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promoted seismicity in that area at that time." (March 25-26, 2026)
An earthquake of M 3.7 in Dominican Republic preceded the Puerto Rico event
by two minutes and may have triggered it with the S-wave and surface wave
which arrived several seconds before the the event in Puerto Rico occurred (at a distance
of 2.8 degrees).
O: 26MAR2026 01:00:03 18.1N 68.7W ML=3.7 NEIC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
O: 26MAR2026 01:00:03 18.1N 68.7W MD=3.7 EMSC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REGION
O: 26MAR2026 01:02:18 18.9N 65.8W ML=3.4 NEIC PUERTO RICO
O: 26MAR2026 01:02:18 18.9N 65.8W MD=3.4 EMSC PUERTO RICO REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Baja California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Baja California in Ensenada and in San Diego, California.
O: 25MAR2026 19:15:40 31.9N 116.3W ML=3.3 NEIC BAJA CALIFORNIA
O: 25MAR2026 21:26:44 31.1N 115.6W ML=3.4 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
O: 25MAR2026 19:15:40 31.9N 116.4W ML=3.3 EMSC BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Greece was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Greece in Alexandroupoli, Kavala, Dasokhorion, Stratonion, Triandria, Thessaloniki, and in Strumica, Macedonia and in Bulgaria at Blagoevgrad, Melnik, Bansko.
EMSC reported it was widely felt in Greece at Karyes, Sykia, Nikiti, Limenaria, Pefkochori, Akropotamos, Polygyros, Polikhronon, Nea Fokaia, Nea Iraklitsa, Kassandreia, Olynthos, Potamia, among others. Felt as far as Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia. Several
moderate aftershock were also felt lightly in the epicentral area.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 and 104 degrees) from TC Narelle
and the North Geomagnetic Pole and was probably promoted by energy from
those sources.
O: 25MAR2026 19:08:24 40.3N 24.1E ML=4.9 NEIC GREECE
O: 25MAR2026 19:08:24 40.3N 24.1E MW=4.9 EMSC AEGEAN SEA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Laytonville, Covelo, Mendocino, Willits, Dos Rios and II in San Francisco, Fort Bragg.
O: 25MAR2026 16:20:48 39.5N 123.3W ML=3.5 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25MAR2026 16:20:48 39.6N 123.4W MW=3.2 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Petrolia.
O: 25MAR2026 15:29:24 40.3N 126.2W ML=3.4 NEIC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25MAR2026 15:29:24 40.4N 126.2W MW=3.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
O: 26MAR2026 01:23:25 40.9N 125.5W ML=2.5 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in West Sacramento, Davis and San Rafael and possibly in Winters.
O: 25MAR2026 15:04:38 38.5N 121.8W ML=2.9 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 25MAR2026 15:04:38 38.5N 121.8W MD=2.9 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in the Queen Charlotte Island area of British Columbia, Canada was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Queen Charlotte Island area of British Columbia, Canada with likely shaking at IV in the epicentral area.
This was the strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada outside Alaska today.
This earthquake may have been triggered by SFE associated with solar flare 2560
as it occurred near the end of that C2.2 class flare. Preliminary data
from SWPC for this flare follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2560 1304 1312 1331 C2.2 (March 25, 2026) 2.2E-03 *
Queen Charlotte Is. M 4.3 13:25 UT
O: 25MAR2026 13:25:36 52.5N 131.6W ML=4.1 NEIC QUEEN CHARLOTTE IS, CANADA
O: 25MAR2026 13:25:34 52.5N 131.8W ML=4.3 EMSC HAIDA GWAII REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Western Honshu, Japan near Kobe was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Honshu, Japan near Kobe with III in Hyogo at Takarazuka, Ashiya and Alashi, and in Ayabe, Kyoto and Osaka.
O: 25MAR2026 11:31:12 34.7N 135.1E ML=4.1 NEIC WESTERN HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 25MAR2026 11:31:12 34.7N 135.1E ML=4.2 EMSC NEAR S. COAST OF WESTERN HONSH
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Central Italy was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Central Italy in Massa, Prato, Pescia, Calenzano, Campi Bisenzio, Florence, Lucca, Firenze, Cascine-La Croce, Bagno a Ripoli, Vignola, Pietrasanta, Viareggio, Stiore, Fiorano, Sassuolo, San Lazzaro, San Pancrazio, Padova.
A foreshock a day before was reported by EMSC to have been felt in northern Italy
in Sarzana, Carrara, Santo Stefano di Magra, Lerici, Comano, Pietrasanta, Pontremoli, Piano de Mommio, Barga, Lucca, and Madonna dell'Acqua.
The M 4.1 in Central Italy may have been promoted by SFE associated
with a C5.3 solar flare as it occurred near the peak of that flare near
local solar noon. Preliminary data for this flare from SWPC follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0838 0847 0910 C5.3 (March 26, 2026) 7.0E-03 *
Central Italy M 4.1 08:40 UT
Central Honshu M 4.6 08:51 UT
Valparaiso, M 4.0 08:55 UT
O: 26MAR2026 08:40:28 44.0N 10.9E ML=4.1 EMSC CENTRAL ITALY
O: 25MAR2026 07:13:43 44.2N 10.0E ML=4.0 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Eastern Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Eastern Turkey in Elazig.
O: 26MAR2026 07:37:08 38.5N 39.2E ML=4.3 EMSC EASTERN TURKEY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Bio-Bio, Chile was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Bio-Bio, Chile in Canete and Curanilahue.
O: 26MAR2026 04:26:36 37.8S 73.1W ML=4.2 EMSC BIO-BIO, CHILE
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-26 00:00 UT 19.6S 115.4E 135 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a major storm with winds up to 135 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 19N 65W in the area east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Puerto Rico later in the day and could help promoted seismicity in that area at that time.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
XXXX 0610 0623 0700 M4.0 (March 26, 2026) 6.0E-02 *
Papua M 3.6 06:11 UT
Argentina M 3.4 06:11 UT
XXXX 0652 0658 0701 C3.3 (March 26, 2026) 5.0E-03 *
XXXX 0838 0847 0910 C5.3 (March 26, 2026) 7.0E-03 *
Central Italy M 4.1 08:40 UT
Central Honshu M 4.6 08:51 UT
Valparaiso, M 4.0 08:55 UT
Loyalty Is. M 5.0 09:08 UT
2460 0014 0030 0037 C3.7 (March 25, 2026) 5.0E-03
2480 0410 0424 0433 C2.2 (March 25, 2026) 2.4E-03
2500 0555 0605 0611 C1.5 (March 25, 2026) 1.4E-03
2520 0906 0916 0922 C1.8 (March 25, 2026) 1.7E-03
Kuril Is. M 4.5 09:17 UT
Arkansas M 2.3 09:13 UT
2560 1304 1312 1331 C2.2 (March 25, 2026) 2.2E-03 *
Queen Charlotte Is. M 4.3 13:25 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: minor storms March 26 unsettled March 27 quiet March 28. Solar M-flare chance: 30% X-class: 5% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 17, high: 21, mid-latitude: 12, time of max AP: 08:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 5.33 0600-0900, March 25; Sunspot Number: 103; Radio Flux: 140
March 25, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
It was a relatively quiet day today in global seismicity. No significant
earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours. The strongest earthquakes in
the world were aftershocks in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands as an M 5.2 in the
Rat Islands and an M 4.6 in the Andreanof Islands. This lull in seismicity
is a common aspect that occurs during and shortly after strong geomagnetic
storm and was expected. The geomagnetic storms of the past several days
have now largely ended and solar flaring is still low. TC Narelle over
northern Australia is still active and intensifying. The antipode in the
next two days is in the Northern Leeward and Virgin Islands. This area
may see enhanced seismicity in the next day or two as TC Narelle continues
to track to the south and west and the antipode continues to move to the
north and west through the northeastern Caribbean. This will reach Puerto
Rico in a couple of days and enhanced seismicity in that region is possible
at that time.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in the Rat Islands was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Rat Islands near Attu Station with likely intensity IV.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Tonga and at the third node (120 degrees)
from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by energy from those sources and
the recent geomagnetic storms.
O: 24MAR2026 20:59:35 52.2N 176.4E ML=5.2 NEIC RAT ISLANDS
O: 24MAR2026 20:59:36 52.3N 176.3E MB=5.2 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in The Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of The Andreanof Islands, Aleutians, Alaska with III in Atka, Alaska.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Tonga and Malaysia and at the tenth node (36 degrees)
from the North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by constructive
energy interference from those source and at the third node (120 degrees)
from the South Geomagnetic Pole and the fourth node (90 degrees) from TC Narelle and may have been promoted by energy from those sources and
the recent geomagnetic storms.
O: 24MAR2026 16:43:29 51.5N 176.6W ML=4.6 NEIC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALASKA
O: 24MAR2026 16:43:30 51.6N 176.7W ML=4.9 EMSC ANDREANOF ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN IS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M San Francisco Bay, California in was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of San Francisco Bay, California with III in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Danville, Pleasanton, Dublin and II in San Francisco, and Oakland.
EMSC reported quick and moderate shaking in San Ramon, Dublin, Blackhawk, and Vallejo, California.
This earthquake occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and may have
been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
A foreshock of M 2.8 was reported felt with III in Danville, Walnut Creek, San Ramon and II in Castro Valley, Sacramento, Alamo and Alameda, California.
This appears to re-awaken the series of earthquakes in this area which has
been relative quiet for the past month but was active with strong solar
flares and geomagnetic storms in late 2025 to early 2026. The last earthquake
in this series with M>=3 occurred as an M 3.2 on March 2, 2026 and an M 4.2 on February 2, 2026.
At the time this summary noted:
"The series of light to moderate earthquakes continued today in the East San Francisco
Bay, California area with maximum magnitude of M 4.2-4.4. At least 45 earthquakes
of M>=2.0 have been recorded in this area near San Ramon, California in the
past 24 hours. This is the strongest series thus far in this swarm. A somewhat
similar but smaller series occurred on November 10-11, 2025. This followed
an X-flare on November 9, 2025. This situation was similar to what was seen
today with this series closely related to the series of X-class flares today.
At the time this summary made the connection between these events in the
San Francisco Bay area and major solar flares... " (February 2, 2026)
It is likely related to the strong geomagnetic storm which continued at the
time of this earthquake.
These epicenters are at the seventh node (52 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole
and were probably promoted by the current geomagnetic storms. They are also
located at the third node (120 degrees) from TC Narelle and at the fourth node
(90 degrees) from TC 28P and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 24MAR2026 07:31:47 37.8N 121.9W ML=2.8 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
O: 24MAR2026 10:34:08 37.8N 121.9W MW=2.8 NEIC SAN FRANCISCO BAY, CALIFORNIA
O: 24MAR2026 07:31:47 37.8N 121.9W ML=3.0 EMSC SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CALIF.
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Northern Italy was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Northern Italy in Sarzana, Carrara, Comano, Pietrasanta, Pontremoli, Piano di Mommio, Barga, Lucca, Madonna dell'Acqua.
This epicenter is at 144 degrees from the South Geomagnetic Pole and may
have been promoted by the recent geomagnetic storms.
O: 25MAR2026 07:13:44 44.1N 10.0E MW=4.0 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
O: 25MAR2026 07:13:44 44.2N 10.0E ML=4.0 EMSC NORTHERN ITALY
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Paramythia, Tsiflikopoulo, Anatoli, Velissarios, Ioannina, Penteli, Eksochi, Lliokali, Parakalamos, Margariti, Igoumenitsa, Kalpaki, Kompoti, Preveza, and in Bitola, North Macedonia.
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by energy from solar fare 2440 (C2.3) as it occurred within a minute of the
peak output of that flare. Data from SWPC for this flare follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2440 2147 2156 2205 C2.3 (March 24, 2026) 2.1E-03
Greece M 4.2 21:57 UT
Tonga M 4.6 21:57 UT
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Malaysia; the eighth node (135 degrees from the South
Geomagnetic pole; the seventh node (52 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic
pole and may have been promoted by energy from those sources. It is also at 107
degrees from TC Narelle.
O: 24MAR2026 21:57:02 39.6N 20.7E MB=4.2 EMSC GREECE
GeoNet reported the following parameters for an M 4.1 event off the coast of
northern North Island, New Zealand today:
O: 24MAR2026 00:36:33 41.6S 174.3E ML=4.3 GEONET 278 people reported feeling this earthquake near Seddon, New Zealand with 213 at weak intensity and 60 with light shaking and 5 with moderate intensity 0 with strong, 0 with severe and 0 with extreme intensity.
O: 24MAR2026 15:18:33 37.4S 177.6E ML=4.1 GEONET 4 people reported feeling this earthquake with 4 at weak intensity and 0 with light shaking and 0 with moderate intensity 0 with strong, 0 with severe and 0 with extreme intensity.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees from Malaysia and the tenth node (36 degrees)
from the South Geomagnetic pole and may have been promoted by constructive
energy interference from those two sources.
O: 24MAR2026 15:18:25 37.4S 178.0E ML=4.0 EMSC OFF E. COAST OF N. ISLAND, N.Z
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-25 00:00 UT 17.8S 119.1E 85 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas of northern Australia for several more days. The antipode is at 18N 61W in the area east of the northern Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 25-26 and could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 24, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2390 1718 1754 1825 C7.2 (March 24, 2026) 2.0E-02
Honshu M 3.9 18:22 UT
Banda Sea M 3.8 18:23 UT
Tarapaca M 3.0 18:24 UT
El Salvador M 2.9 18:24 UT
2440 2147 2156 2205 C2.3 (March 24, 2026) 2.1E-03
Greece M 4.2 21:57 UT
Tonga M 4.6 21:57 UT
Nevada M 2.1 21:51 UT
Argentina M 4.3 22:02 UT
2460 2352 0012 0014 C2.9 (March 24, 2026) 3.6E-03
Xizang M 3.6 23:53 UT
Papua M 3.7 23:53 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active March 25-26 unsettled March 27. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 5% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 16, high: 25, mid-latitude: 12, time of max AP: 11:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 3.67 0400-0700, March 24; Sunspot Number: 113; Radio Flux: 128
March 24, 2026 (Preliminary)
Notable earthquakes and events:
A major earthquake of M 7.6 occurred in the area of Tonga south of Samoa today.
This event occurred at an intermediate depth and was not expected to trigger
a tsunami. Geoscience Australia did not expect a tsunami but the Tongan
authorities thought a minor tsunami was possible. NEIC reported it was felt with
intensity V in Tonga at Neiafu, Vava'u; IV in Pangai Ha'apai and III in Tofoa-Koloua, Tongatapu, Ohonua Eua and Nuku'alofa, and as far as Samoa. Two earthquakes of M>=7.6
have occurred within about 300 km of today's epicenter in the 35 years - both
occurred at deep focus of 550-600 km and about 350 km northwest of today's epicenter.
When the event of August 19, 2018 occurred this summary noted:
"A great earthquake in Central Fiji of M 8.2 broke the seismic dam at major quakes
which has been in effect for more than three months. It was accompanied by
a strong series of regional aftershocks including those of M 6.8, 6.3 and 5.9.
As this earthquake occurred at about 550 km depth, this is an unusual occurrence
as aftershock at this depth are uncommon. Earthquakes of M>=8.2 are very rare.
This is the first such event in the world with M>=8.2 since an M 8.3 in central
Chile which occurred September 16, 2015. Such events often change global
seismicity shutting down some areas and activating others.
...
Far-field triggering from the M 8.2 in Fiji should occur several degrees shorter
than their normal range because of the great depth at 558 km. For example areas
which normally trigger at about 103 degrees from surface epicenters will probably
occur at 99-102 degrees from Fiji. This includes areas such as the South Sandwich
Islands, Southeast Asia and central Chile among others.
There have been no great earthquakes in Fiji (M>=8) since 1990. The last major
quake in the region was an M 7.6-7.7 on August 18, 2002. Great earthquakes were
reported in Fiji on April 16, 1937 (M 8.1); April 30 and January 1, 1919 (M 8.3, 8.4); June 26, 1917 (M 8.7)
June 26, 2013 (M 8.2) and January 4, 2003 (M 8.0).
The earthquakes in Fiji, including many aftershocks were reported by NEIC to have
been felt with light to moderate intensity in Suva, Central Fiji Islands.
The M 8.2 mainshock was reported with intensity V in Nausori and II-III in Suva, Namosi, and Nadi, Fiji
and in Tonga at Tofoa-Koloua and Vaini, Tongatapu. No tsunami was reported
nor observed due to the deep focus of the mainshock and aftershocks." (August 19, 2018)
Today's event in Tonga is the strongest earthquake in the world in more than three months - since an M 7.6 on December 8, 2025 in
Hokkaido but the last events of stronger magnitude were an M 7.7 on October 10, 2025 and an M 7.8 in Kamchatka
on September 18, 2025.
This event appears to have been promoted by a moderate geomagnetic storm which
commenced at the time of the earthquake as determined by a sudden GOES geomagnetic
increase in field strength at that time (04:40 UT). GOES X-ray flux data for this
time period is not currently available. Today's event follows a major
change in regional seismicity which was reflected in a series of strong earthquakes
on March 22-23, 2026 in the area of Samoa several hundred km to the north
of today's event. These were reported in the previous issue of this summary
as:
"The onset of these geomagnetic storms coincided with a strong swarm
of strong earthquakes on the geomagnetic equator in Samoa and Tonga today.
storm was accompanied by an M 6.2 in the area of Samoa and Tonga.
The M 6.2 in Samoa was followed by a series of moderately strong to strong
aftershocks in the area including an M 5.8, 6.2 and M 6.3 later in the
day of March 22, 2026. NEIC reported intensity II in American Samoa for these events. The
last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=6.2 occurred
as an M 6.7 on December 4, 2022 and prior to that an M 6.8 on November 4, 2017.
But these three events of M>=6.2 represent the strongest series in the area of
Samoa since in at least the past 35 years. These events were generally associated with sudden commencement
of further geomagnetic storms. ..." (March 23, 2026)
Today's earthquake in Tonga is also likely promted by the new moon of March 19.
This summary had noted the likely areas where seismicity would increase with
this new moon in previous issues as:
"The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands." (March 17-19, 2026).
Far-field triggering of seismicity is likely with this event in Tonga. Appropriate
and approximate regions where this may be expected (at nodal distances) follow:
Antipodal (~180 degrees)
Tonga to north-central Africa
Outer shadow zone edge (141-148 degrees)
Tonga to Romania/Ukraine, eastern Turkey, England, Azores, Syria, Red Sea, Ethiopia, East Africa, Angola, Southern Mid-Atlantic
Node 3 (120 degrees)
Tonga to Afghanistan, Madagascar, Southern Mid-Atlantic, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, Virgin Is,
P- and S- shadow zone edge and node 7 (101-110 degrees)
Tonga to Nepal, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Colombia, Tennessee, Indian Ocean, East of South Sandwich Is, Peru, Missouri, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Cayman Islands, South Sandwich Is, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Kentucky, Eastern India, Myanmar, Western China, Mongolia,
Node 4 (90 degrees)
Tonga to Andaman, Nicobar Is. Southern Chile, Northern Alaska, eastern Mexico, Guatemala, western Texas, Northern Alaska,
Node 5 (72 degrees)
Tonga to Northern East Pacific Rise, Taiwan, Honshu, Hokkaido, Japan, northern Philippines, Java, Aleutians, Fox Islands, Kurils, Kamchatka, Near Islands,
Node 6 (60 degrees)
Tonga to Sumba, Minahasa, Molucca, western Australia, Australian-Antarctic Ridge, Mindanao, Philippines,
Node 7 (52 degrees)
Tonga to Mariana Is, New Guinea,
Node 8 (45 degrees)
Tonga to Eastern New Guinea,
O: 24MAR2026 04:37:50 18.7S 175.6W MW=7.5 NEIC TONGA
O: 24MAR2026 04:37:49 18.6S 175.5W MW=7.5 EMSC TONGA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-24 00:00 UT 16.0S 123.4E 50 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 50 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas south of New Guinea and the Banda Sea, Indonesia for several more days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in Central Indonesia as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 16N 57W in the area east of the Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 24-26 but could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE 28P
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 28P 2026-03-24 00:00 UT 23.6S 164.8E 55 kts West of Loyalty Is.
Tropical Cyclone 28P formed in the region of northwest of the Loyalty Islands today with winds up to 55 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast over the next several days and could help prooote seismicity in southern Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands in the next couple of days. It will arrive in the Loyalty Islands around March 24-25. The antipode is at 24N 17W - near the Canary Islands where some enhanced seismicity may occur March 23-26, 2026.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2260 0024 0029 0035 C3.2 (March 23, 2026) 2.5E-03
Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge M 5.2 01:29 UT
Fox Is. M 3.4 01:26 UT
Antofagasta M 4.2 00:37 UT
2290 0945 0950 0953 C1.3 (March 23, 2026) 5.1E-04
Ryukyu Is. M 4.7 10:00 UT
2310 1107 1115 1129 C1.9 (March 23, 2026) 2.4E-03
Molucca M 4.6 11:25 UT
Nepal M 4.0 11:28 UT
2320 1420 1428 1452 C1.0 (March 23, 2026) 1.9E-03
Far East, Russia M 4.0 14:22 UT
Kamchatka M 4.3 14:51 UT
2330 1528 1534 1541 C1.1 (March 23, 2026) 8.7E-04
Seram M 4.0 15:37 UT
2340 1705 1711 1717 C1.2 (March 23, 2026) 8.4E-04
Baja California M 4.1 17:00 UT
Iceland M 4.2 17:25 UT
2350 1742 1750 1801 C1.2 (March 23, 2026) 1.4E-03
Baja California M 3.6 17:44 UT
Iceland M 3.7 17:46 UT
Ecuador M 4.3 17:46 UT
San Francisco M 2.0 18:00 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: minor storms March 24 active March 25-26. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 5% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 28, high: 37, mid-latitude: 15, time of max AP: 11:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 5.00 1800-2100, March 23; Sunspot Number: 94; Radio Flux: 124
March 23, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong G3 geomagnetic storm occurred early on March 22. A second similar
storm occurred later in the UT day of March 22 which reached high latitude
K-index of 8 about midday (UT) and continued at severe levels throughout March 22 and early UT March 23. Storms of this
intensity can affect power systems on the sunlit side of the earth and interfere with
satelite communications and navigation. Aurora are likely tonight as far
to the south as Illinos and Oregon in the U.S. The sudden commencement
of storms such as this can trigger enhanced seismicity as well. Among
events associated with this storm was an M 6.6 in the South Shetland
Islands of the Atlantic and an M 6.7 in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge
area. An M 6.3 in the area of Tonga today and was followed by a series
of moderately large to large earthquakes in the area of Tonga and Samoa
including events of M 6.3, 6.3, 6.2, 5.8 ..... All of these
appear to have been promoted by the geomagnetic storm. The planetary A value
for the day reached 75 with Kp of 7 late on UT March 22. Highest K-index at high latitudes was
8 about 16:00 UT with high latitude A of 92. This is the
highest disturbance in the planetary geomagnetic field since the major storm
of January 20, 2026 when Planetary A reached 143 and K-index reached 8.0.
The onset of these geomagnetic storms coincided with a strong swarm
of strong earthquakes on the geomagnetic equator in Samoa and Tonga today.
storm was accompanied by an M 6.2 in the area of Samoa and Tonga.
The M 6.2 in Samoa was followed by a series of moderately strong to strong
aftershocks in the area including an M 5.8, 6.2 and M 6.3 later in the
day of March 22, 2026. NEIC reported intensity II in American Samoa for these events. The
last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=6.2 occurred
as an M 6.7 on December 4, 2022 and prior to that an M 6.8 on November 4, 2017.
But these three events of M>=6.2 represent the strongest series in the area of
Samoa since in at least the past 35 years. These events were generally associated with sudden commencement
of further geomagnetic storms. At the time of the M 6.7 on December 4, 2022
this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in the Samoa region of the southwestern Pacific. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Samoa at Apia with III in Aua, Aoa, Neiafu, Ofa Manu'a, American Samoa and in Tonga at Ahoa Hahake Wallis and Futuna and in Tofoa-Koloua, Tongatapu.
This is the strongest earthquake in Samoa of equal or larger magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 6.8 on November 4, 2017 and an M 6.7 on June 29, 2014. The last event
of significantly larger magnitude in Samoa was an M 8.0-8.1 on September 9, 2009.
Forecasts 148907 and 148626 had expected today's activity within about 100 km
in the area of Samoa was likely in late November or early December, 2022.
Today's M 6.7 is a continuation of the strong seismic enhancement in Samoa, Tonga
and Fiji which began in mid-November, 2022." (December 4, 2022)
The initial M 6.2 in Samoa and Tonga occurred at a longitude which was
near local solar noon when the geomagnetic storm initiated and was
probably promoted by energy from that source. Samoa is located on the geomagnetic
equator where such effects maximize at the start of such storms.
These earthquakes in Samoa and Tonga are located at the sixth node (60 degrees)
from the South Geomagnetic Pole and at 101 degrees from the north geomagnetic
pole and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Kamchatka and Malaysia and was
probably promoted by the commencement of the geomagnetic storm and constructive energy
interference from Kamchatka and Malaysia.
O: 22MAR2026 22:26:15 15.7S 172.9W MW=5.8 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
O: 22MAR2026 16:23:14 14.9S 172.8W mb=4.8 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS
O: 22MAR2026 16:00:22 15.2S 173.0W Mw=5.6 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
O: 22MAR2026 14:08:10 15.3S 172.7W mb=4.7 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
O: 22MAR2026 15:27:57 15.4S 173.0W Mw=6.2 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
O: 22MAR2026 15:30:40 15.5S 172.9W Mw=6.3 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
O: 23MAR2026 06:02:49 15.6S 172.9W Mw=5.8 EMSC SAMOA ISLANDS REGION
O: 22MAR2026 06:15:37 15.4S 173.1W MW=6.2 EMSC TONGA
O: 23MAR2026 06:02:45 15.4S 172.9W MW=5.8 EMSC TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 06:15:36 14.4S 173.1W ML=6.2 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 15:27:57 15.4S 173.0W ML=6.2 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 15:30:40 15.5S 172.9W ML=6.3 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 16:00:22 15.2S 173.0W ML=5.6 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 22:26:14 15.6S 172.8W ML=5.9 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Bio-Bio Chile was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Chile with IV in Chiguayante, Chillan and Concepcion.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Chile at Talca and Chillan.
O: 23MAR2026 04:44:14 37.0S 72.8W ML=4.3 NEIC BIOBIO, CHILE
O: 23MAR2026 04:44:16 36.9S 72.8W MB=4.3 EMSC BIO-BIO, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska at Willow and Anchorage.
O: 22MAR2026 22:59:05 61.9N 151.0W ML=3.7 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 22MAR2026 22:59:05 61.9N 151.1W ML=3.7 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Anguilla was felt with intensity up to II-III in the epicentral area.
This epicenter is at the fifth node from the North Geomagnetic Pole and
may have been promoted by today's geomagnetic storms.
O: 22MAR2026 09:51:51 19.1N 63.8W ML=4.0 NEIC ANGUILLA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in SE Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of SE Honshu, Japan in Kanagawa, Japan.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from TC Narelle and from the
North Geomagnetic Pole and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference
from these sources.
O: 22MAR2026 08:56:06 34.3N 140.1E ML=4.5 NEIC SE HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 22MAR2026 08:56:01 34.3N 140.5E MB=4.5 EMSC NEAR EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAP
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-23 00:00 UT 15.0S 128.1E 50 kts Northern Australia
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued over Northern Australia today as a storm with winds up to 50 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas south of New Guinea and the Banda Sea, Indonesia for several more days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in Central Indonesia as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 15N 52W in the area east of the Leeward Islands which occasionally sees a moderate earthquake with Tropical Storms in northern Australia. It should arrive at a point antipodal to Anguilla and the Virgin Islands as a moderate storm around March 24-26 but could help trigger significant seismicity in the northeastern Caribbean region as it is antipodal to that area.
TROPICAL CYCLONE 28P
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 28P 2026-03-23 00:00 UT 17.2S 162.5E 50 kts West of Vanuatu
Tropical Cyclone 28P formed in the region of west of Central Vanuatu today with winds up to 45 kts. It is expected to track to the southeast over the next several days and could help prooote seismicity in southern Vanuatu and the Loyalty Islands in the next couple of days. It will arrive in the Loyalty Islands around March 24-25. The antipode is at 17N 19W - a non seismic area of northern African and the eastern Atlantic.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 22, 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 0024 0029 0035 C3.2 (March 23, 2026) 2.5E-03
Western Indian-Antarctic Ridge M 5.2 01:29 UT
Fox Is. M 3.4 01:26 UT
2230 2326 0012 0024 C3.4 (March 22, 2026) 1.1E-02
2250 2350 0001 0004 C3.1 (March 22, 2026) 3.6E-03
Missouri M 2.0 23:50 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: major storms March 23 active March 24 unsettled March 25. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 5% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 75, high: 92, mid-latitude: 36, time of max AP: 18:00 UT; Max AP: 8 Global Kp 6.67 1800-2100, March 22; Sunspot Number: 96; Radio Flux: 120
For the next couple of days global seismicity is expected to be a quiet levels as the areas where a strong earthquake was imminent have triggered with the geomagnetic storm. It takes several days to reset the global systems before further strong earthquakes are considered likely.
March 22, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A strong G3 geomagnetic storm occurred early on March 22. A second similar
storm occurred later in the UT day of March 22 which reach high latitude
K-index of 8 about midday (UT). Storms of this
intensity can affect power systems on the sunlit side of the earth and interfere with
satelite communications and navigation. Aurora are likely tonight as far
to the south as Illinos and Oregon in the U.S. The sudden commencement
of storms such as this can trigger enhanced seismicity as well. Among
events associated with this storm was an M 6.6 in the South Shetland
Islands of the Atlantic and an M 6.7 in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge
area. An M 6.3 also was recorded in the area of Tonga today. All of these
appear to have been promoted by the geomagnetic storm. The planetary A value
for this storm reached 44 with Kp of 7 early on March 21. This is the
highest disturbance in the planetary geomagnetic field since the major storm
of January 20, 2026 when Planetary A reached 143 and K-index reached 8.0.
Another moderate geomagnetic storm appears to be occurring early on UT March 22
with K-index of 5.0 around 0600-0900 UT. The onset of this geomagnetic
storm was accompanied by an M 6.2 in the area of Samoa and Tonga.
The M 6.2 in Samoa was followed by a series of moderately strong to strong
aftershocks in the area including an M 5.8, 6.2 and M 6.3 later in the
day of March 22, 2026. NEIC reported intensity II in American Samoa for these events. The
last earthquake within about 200 km of today's epicenter with M>=6.2 occurred
as an M 6.7 on December 4, 2022 and prior to that an M 6.8 on November 4, 2017.
But these three events of M>=6.2 represent the strongest series in the area of
Samoa since in at least the past 35 years. These events were generally associated with sudden commencement
of further geomagnetic storms. At the time of the M 6.7 on December 4, 2022
this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.7 in the Samoa region of the southwestern Pacific. NEIC reported maximum intensity IV in Samoa at Apia with III in Aua, Aoa, Neiafu, Ofa Manu'a, American Samoa and in Tonga at Ahoa Hahake Wallis and Futuna and in Tofoa-Koloua, Tongatapu.
This is the strongest earthquake in Samoa of equal or larger magnitude within about 200 km of this epicenter
since an M 6.8 on November 4, 2017 and an M 6.7 on June 29, 2014. The last event
of significantly larger magnitude in Samoa was an M 8.0-8.1 on September 9, 2009.
Forecasts 148907 and 148626 had expected today's activity within about 100 km
in the area of Samoa was likely in late November or early December, 2022.
Today's M 6.7 is a continuation of the strong seismic enhancement in Samoa, Tonga
and Fiji which began in mid-November, 2022." (December 4, 2022)
The initial M 6.2 in Samoa and Tonga occurred at a longitude which was
near local solar noon when the geomagnetic storm initiated and was
probably promoted by energy from that source. Samoa is located on the geomagnetic
equator where such effects maximize at the start of such storms.
These earthquakes in Samoa and Tonga are located at the sixth node (60 degrees)
from the South Geomagnetic Pole and at 101 degrees from the north geomagnetic
pole and at the fifth node (72 degrees) from Kamchatka and Malaysia and was
probably promoted by the commencement of the geomagnetic storm and constructive energy
interference from Kamchatka and Malaysia.
O: 22MAR2026 06:15:37 15.4S 173.1W MW=6.2 EMSC TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 06:15:36 14.4S 173.1W ML=6.2 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 15:27:57 15.4S 173.0W ML=6.2 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 15:30:40 15.5S 172.9W ML=6.3 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
O: 22MAR2026 16:00:22 15.2S 173.0W ML=5.6 NEIC SAMOA/TONGA
An earthquake of M 6.7 occurred today in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not reported
felt in this remote epicentral area and no tsunami was expected nor observed.
This is the second largest earthquake in the world in the year 2026 following
an M 7.1 in Malaysia on February 22, 2026. It follows an M 6.6 in the
South Shetland Islands on March 20, 2026 (see previous issues of this summary).
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
the North Atlantic Ridge in more than 35 years. An M 6.4 hit near this
epicenter on June 10, 1991 the only recent comparable event. The only
earthquakes of M>=6.7 in this area in the historical record occurred
on March 26, 1980 (M 6.8) and on January 9, 1922 (M 7.1) making this a
significant regional earthquake.
It occurred near local solar noon at a longitude which saw the maximum
tidal stress with the new moon of March 19, 2026 as reported in previous issues
of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands." (March 17-19, 2026).
This epicenter is also nearly antipodal to the only Tropical Cyclone
currently active - TC Narelle. This storm is currently at 13S 137E over northern
Australia with winds up to 100 kts and moving to the southwest. The antipode of
this is at 13N 43W near the position of today's M 6.7 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic.
This summary had expected a possible significant earthquake in this area at this time as:
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 42W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some antipodal seismicity is possible in the next day or two." (March 20-21, 2026)
In addition to being nearly antipodal to TC Narelle this epicenter is at 144 degrees
from Malaysia and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 21MAR2026 12:16:48 23.8N 45.8W ML=6.7 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
O: 21MAR2026 12:16:46 23.8N 45.8W ML=6.6 NEIC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.6 in Salta, Argentina was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Salta, Argentina in Antofagasta and Copiapo, Chile
EMSC reported light shaking in Copiapo, Chile.
The last earthquake in Argentina of M>=5.6 within about 200 km of this epicenter
occurred as an M 5.9 on September 4, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"A strong M 5.9 also occurred today in the Salta, Argentina area.
EMSC reported it was felt with moderate shaking in Chile at Antofagasta, and Iquique.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
Salta, Argentina since an M 7.4 on July 19, 2024. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 7.4 in northern Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to VII with
some damage in the Atacama, Chile region near San Pedro de Atacama.
EMSC reported strong and long shaking in Atacama, Chile in San Pedro de Atacama, Calama, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta, Tocopilla, Mejillones, Alto Hospicio, Iquique, Chanaral, Copiapo, Arica, Paiguano, Arequipa, with light shaking in Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Nunoa, Macul and others.
This is the strongest earthquake in the world since an M 7.4 in Taiwan in early
April. The last earthquake within about 300 km of today's epicenter with
M>=7.4 occurred on November 14, 2007 with M 7.7. The only other such event
in the general area of today's epicenter of equal or larger magnitude in the
past 35 years was an M 8.0 on July 30, 1995." (July 19, 2024)
This earthquake in July, 2024, like today's was accompanied by a strong
increase in solar radio activity at the 10.8 cm frequency which was recorded at 242 for the day.
Sunspot activity was also active with a sunspot number of 276 on July 18 and 269 on July 19, 2024 and an X-class flare occurred two days
prior to the M 7.4 on July 14, 2024. The only time when the sunspot number exceeded this in this
past year was when it reached 277 on January 20, 2025.
A smaller M 5.1 foreshock was recorded about 10 seconds before the mainshock. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in Iquique, Tarapaca.
This earthquake occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight
and was likely promoted by tidal and/or geomagnet effects which maximize
near this hour. " (September 4, 2025)
Today's epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole
and may have been promoted by energy from the strong geomagnetic storm today.
O: 21MAR2026 10:00:37 24.1S 67.0W MD=5.6 NEIC SALTA, ARGENTINA
O: 21MAR2026 10:00:38 24.0S 66.9W MW=5.6 EMSC JUJUY, ARGENTINA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Hawaii was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii in Lanai City.
This earthquake is the strongest within about 150 km of this epicenter since an
M 3.9 on September 16, 2022. At the time this summary noted:
"An earthquake of M 3.9 also occurred in northwestern Hawaii near Oahu today.
It was not reported felt in this remote area. Two other earthquakes of M>=3.9
have occurred within about 150 km of this epicenter in the Oahu area of Hawaii
have been recorded in the past 30 years - an M 4.1 on May 20, 2005 and an M 3.9
on August 5, 2002." (September 25, 2021)
O: 22MAR2026 07:32:00 20.0N 157.7W MD=3.8 NEIC HAWAII
O: 22MAR2026 07:32:03 20.1N 157.8W ML=3.8 EMSC OAHU REGION, HAWAII
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 in Oklahoma was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Oklahoma in Edmond.
The M 2.8 was reported felt south of Oklahoma City at Alex with IV Blanchard and Amber with III and Chickasha with II.
O: 21MAR2026 15:26:34 35.0N 97.8W ML=3.0 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 21MAR2026 14:08:27 34.4N 97.4W ML=2.1 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 22MAR2026 05:50:32 34.4N 97.5W ML=3.0 EMSC OKLAHOMA
O: 22MAR2026 05:50:32 34.4N 97.5W ML=2.9 NEIC OKLAHOMA
O: 21MAR2026 15:26:34 35.0N 97.8W ML=2.8 NEIC OKLAHOMA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in the South Indian Ridge was not felt in this remote area.
This epicenter is near the antipode of Southern and Baja California where
a moderate earthquake is considered possible at this time due to the M 6.6 in the
South Shetland Islands (see below).
O: 22MAR2026 06:08:37 32.2S 57.1E ML=5.0 NEIC SOUTHWEST INDIAN RIDGE
O: 22MAR2026 06:08:37 32.1S 57.2E MB=5.0 EMSC SOUTHWEST INDIAN RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.7 in the Central East Pacific Rise was not felt in this remote area.
This is the strongest earthquake in the central East Pacific Rise within about 200
km of this epicenter since an M 5.8 on February 18, 2021. The only event
of significantly larger magnitude in this area in the past 35 years was an M 6.0-6.1 on October
30, 2008 - an aftershock of an M 5.7 on October 29, 2008. At the time of the
February, 2021 event this summary noted:
"The second strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.8 in the Central East Pacific Rise. It was not felt in this remote area.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 300 km of this epicenter since
an M 5.8 on June 23, 2011. The last, and only event in the region of larger
magnitude in the past 30 years was an M 6.0 on October 30, 2008. Today's
event occurred within about 15 minutes of local solar noon and may have been
promoted by high tidal stresses which maximize near this hour." (February 18, 2021)
This epicenter is near the geomagnetic equator and was probably promoted
by the strong geomagnetic storm today which began near the time of this
earthquake in the East Pacific Rise. This epicenter is located near the fourth node (90 degrees)
from the North and South Geomagnetic poles.
O: 22MAR2026 03:03:45 8.9S 108.3W ML=5.7 NEIC CENTRAL EAST PACIFIC RISE
O: 22MAR2026 03:03:44 8.9S 108.3W MW=5.8 EMSC CENTRAL EAST PACIFIC RISE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in Northern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern Alaska near Kaktovik.
This is part of a series of light to moderate earthquakes in this area
over the past several days.
This epicenter is located at 144 degrees from the South Geomagnetic pole
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 22MAR2026 02:28:23 69.4N 143.6W ML=3.8 NEIC NORTHERN ALASKA
O: 22MAR2026 05:35:56 69.4N 144.1W ML=3.4 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
O: 22MAR2026 02:28:22 69.4N 143.4W ML=3.8 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.8 in southern North Island, New Zealand was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of southern North Island, New Zealand near Wellington at Upper Hutt, Kapiti, Wellington.
GeoNet reported the following data for two moderate earthquakes in Northern South Island and Southern North Island, New Zealand today:
O: 22MAR2026 01:31:38 41.2S 175.4E ML=4.2 GEONET 1977 people reported feeling this earthquake with 1354 at weak intensity and 584 with light shaking and 35 with moderate intensity 4 with strong, 0 with severe and 0 with extreme intensity.
O: 28MAR2026 05:54:46 42.4S 173.7E MS=4.0 GEONET Felt with light intensity in the area of Hammer Springs, New Zealand and in southern North Island. Of 137 felt reports 57 reports of weak and 62 of light intensity with 17 of moderate shaking and 1 with strong 0 with severe and 0 with extreme intensity came from the area.
These earthquakes in New Zealand are located at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from Malaysia and may have been promote by energy from that source.
O: 22MAR2026 01:31:38 41.3S 175.5E ML=3.8 NEIC NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND
O: 22MAR2026 01:31:39 41.2S 175.4E ML=3.8 EMSC NORTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 south of Sumatra was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of south of Sumatra in Karawang, Java, Indonesia.
O: 21MAR2026 18:08:53 7.5S 104.9E ML=5.1 NEIC SOUTH OF SUMATRA, INDONESIA
O: 21MAR2026 18:08:53 7.5S 105.0E MW=5.1 EMSC JAVA, INDONESIA
O: 22MAR2026 03:51:51 6.2S 103.9E MB=4.7 EMSC SOUTHWEST OF SUMATRA, INDONESI
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.6 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Friant and Oakhurst.
O: 21MAR2026 17:47:40 36.9N 119.8W ML=2.6 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 21MAR2026 17:47:40 36.9N 119.8W MD=2.4 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.8 in New York State was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of New York State in Oswegp. Sandy Creek, Pulaski and Easton, Pennsylvania. It may have been felt as far as athol, Massachusetts.
The last earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter in New York with
M>=2.8 occurred on June 29, 2024 with M 3.4. At the time this summary noted:
"An unusually large earthquake of M 3.4 occurred today in the state of New York (US). NEIC reported it was felt with intensity up to IV in Henderson, New York.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Martville, New York." (June 29, 2024)
O: 21MAR2026 13:08:02 43.7N 76.4W ML=2.8 NEIC NEW YORK
O: 21MAR2026 13:08:02 43.7N 76.5W ML=2.8 EMSC NEW YORK
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.1 in Sikkim, India was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Sikkim, India in Darjiling, Siliguri, and Naksalbari.
O: 21MAR2026 15:16:01 27.6N 88.6E ML=4.1 EMSC SIKKIM, INDIA
O: 21MAR2026 15:16:01 27.6N 88.6E ML=4.1 EMSC SIKKIM, INDIA
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-22 00:00 UT 14.0S 133.0E 50 kts South of New Guinea
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 50 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to remain in areas south of New Guinea for several more days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 14N 47W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some additional antipodal seismicity is possible in the next day or two.
A tropical cyclone may be forming in the region of Santa Cruz Island north of Vanuatu. This system is currently located at 13S 160E and moving to the NW with winds up to 30 kts. It may enhance regional seismicity in the southern Solomon Islands and Vanuatu while in the area. The antipode at 13N 20W off North Africa is not seismic.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2040 1515 1518 1525 B7.5 (March 22, 2026) 2.6E-04 *
Sikkim, India M 4.1 15:16 UT
Kuril Is. M 4.4 15:21 UT
2050 1558 1607 1609 C1.1 (March 22, 2026) 5.6E-04
Fox Is. M 3.4 16:01 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: major storms March 22 minor storms March 23 active March 24. Solar M-flare chance: 10% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 44, high: 27, mid-latitude: 27, time of max AP: 02:00 UT; Max AP: 7 Global Kp 7 0000-0300, March 21; Sunspot Number: 48; Radio Flux: 107
March 21, 2026
UPDATE
An earthquake of M 6.7 occurred today in the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It was not reported
felt in this remote epicentral area and no tsunami was expected nor observed.
This is the second largest earthquake in the world in the year 2026 following
an M 7.1 in Malaysia on February 22, 2026. It follows an M 6.6 in the
South Shetland Islands on March 20, 2026 (see previous issues of this summary).
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
the North Atlantic Ridge in more than 35 years. An M 6.4 hit near this
epicenter on June 10, 1991 the only recent comparable event. The only
earthquakes of M>=6.7 in this area in the historical record occurred
on March 26, 1980 (M 6.8) and on January 9, 1922 (M 7.1) making this a
significant regional earthquake.
It occurred near local solar noon at a longitude which saw the maximum
tidal stress with the new moon of March 19, 2026 as reported in previous issues
of this summary:
"The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands." (March 17-19, 2026).
This epicenter is also nearly antipodal to the only Tropical Cyclone
currently active - TC Narelle. This storm is currently at 13S 137E over northern
Australia with winds up to 100 kts and moving to the southwest. The antipode of
this is at 13N 43W near the position of today's M 6.7 in the Northern Mid-Atlantic.
This summary had expected a possible significant earthquake in this area at this time as:
"Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 42W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some antipodal seismicity is possible in the next day or two." (March 20-21, 2026)
In addition to being nearly antipodal to TC Narelle this epicenter is at 144 degrees
from Malaysia and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 21MAR2026 12:16:48 23.8N 45.8W ML=6.7 EMSC NORTHERN MID-ATLANTIC RIDGE
Notable earthquakes and events:
The M 6.6 in the South Shetland Islands yesterday had been noted in this summary as others
in the area to be at the seventh node (102.8 degrees) from area of Southern California as:
"A pair of strong earthquakes of M 6.6 and 6.2 hit the South Shetland Islands area north of
Antarctica today. The epicenter was nabout 40 km north of Elephant Island. The
South Shetland Islands are remote and contain more than a dozen research
stations administered under the Antarctic Treaty System. The only earthquake located by
NEIC in the South Shetland Islands in the past four years was an was an M 4.9 on June 13, 2011.
The last large earthquake in the area was an M 7.6 on August 3, 2003 about
600 km from today's epicenter. That earthquake caused slight damage at Orcadas
Base on Laurie Island. The only event within 500 km of today's earthquake of M>6 in the
past 22 years was an M 6.1-6.2 on June 17, 1992. The South Shetland Islands
may be a canary area for southern California. Many of the strongest earthquakes
in that region are quickly followed by large earthquakes in Southern California.
The first recorded large earthquake in the South Shetland Islands region
occurred on February 8, 1971 with M 7.0. It was followed 17 hours later
by the M 6.7 San Fernando Valley earthquake of February 9, 1971 which killed
more than 50 and caused about a billion dollars in damage. The next South
Shetland earthquake of M>6 on September 23, 1979 was followed 22 days later
by an M 7.0 on October 15, 1979 in Baja California. The next earthquake of
M>6 in the South Shetland Islands occurred on July 11, 1983 with M 7.0 and
was followed 11 days later by an M 6.0 in the Coalinga area of southern
California. The next strong earthquake in the South Shetland Islands occurred
on June 17, 1992 with M 6.2. It too was followed 11 days later, this time
by the M 7.3 earthquake in Landers, Southern California, the strongest earthquake
in Southern California in the past 60 years. The earthquakes on August 4, 2004
of M 7.6 was considerably further to the east than these other events and
was followed four months later by the M 6.6 in the San Simeon area of southern
California." (January 15, 2012, March 19-20, 2026)
So, it may be of some interest that the largest earthquake in the vicinity of the U.S.
and Canada today was an M 4.0 in the Gulf of California. This is the strongest
earthquake within about 100 km of this epicenter since an M 4,4 on December 12, 2019.
Today's event occurred near the peak of the commencement of the geomagnetic
storm today as recorded on the GOES-18 magnetometer and may have been
promoted by the shock of that storm. This epicenter is
at 102.8 degrees from the epicenter in the South Sandwich Islands and may
indicate an area where far-field triggering is likely following the M 6.6
there. The data for these events from EMSC follow:
O: 20MAR2026 22:28:09 30.5N 114.6W ML=4.0 EMSC GULF OF CALIFORNIA
O: 20MAR2026 00:22:02 61.1S 56.3W ML=6.6 NEIC SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
The M 5.8 earthquake in Cuba that occurred on March 17 and which history was
outlined at the time at the time as:
"Today's M 5.8 in Cuba is the strongest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in at least 35 years.
The only earthquakes in Cuba of larger magnitude in the historical record
occurred as an M 6.8 on August 7, 1947; an M 6.0 on March 25, 1946 and an M 6.8 on February 3, 1932.
An M 5.9 on October 7, 2018 in Haiti and an M 7.0 and the Dominican Republic occurred on January 12, 2010.
An M 7.2 also occurred on August 14, 2021 in Haiti about 200 km south of Cuba." (March 17, 2026)
was followed later in 1946 by a great earthquake of M>8 in the Puerto Rico Trench on
on August 4, 1946. This event was detailed in the history section of this
summary as:
"This earthquake was located off northern Dominican Republic. Destructive throughout most of the Republic and felt sharply in Puerto Rico and the Mona Passage. Maximum intensity in Puerto Rico was VI at Comerico Plants and Maricao. In Dominican Republic several were killed by falling buildings. A tsunami was generated which killed nearly 2000 according to records kept silent for more than 50 years. The tsunami waves were observed on tide gages at Daytona Beach, FLA; Atlantic City, N.J and Bermuda among other local areas." (August 4, 2025)
This was the last such great earthquake in the Puerto Rico Trench which historically
had had such events with intervals of 35-45 years. The whole region of
Cuba/Haiti/Jamaica/Puerto Rico has shown a major seismic activation in the
past several years and is well beyond the expected time of a great earthquake
at this time. Should a repeat of the 1946 event occur, it would most likely
during or at the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane season. Readers should
be aware of this possibility.
The expected geomagnetic storm arrived late on UT March 20 and early on UT March 21.
This storm reached planetary K-index of 7 from 21:00 on March 20 to 04:00 on
March 21. This is a G3 geomagnetic storm and could cause problems
with space-based communications and ground based electrical systems on the sunlit side
of the earth. The storm arrived about 20:45 UT on March 20 with a major increase near
23:00 UT (as seen on GOES-18 magnetometer). Areas at local solar noon at this time are near the IDL and include
Vanuatu, New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Western U.S. and Alaska with local solar
midnight in Central Europe, Italy, and Greece and the Atlantic Ocean among others.
These are the most likely areas to see enhanced seismicity associated with
the sudden commencement of this storm. In the previous issues of this summary
the expected action of this geomagnetic change with this storm had been noted as:
"A CME is headed directly towards earth and is expected to arrive on March 19 UT.
This may combine with several other CMEs currently heading towards earth. SWPC
had predicted a major geomagnetic storm is likely on March 19. The strength
of this storm would probably be in the G2-G3 range and could adversely affect
satellites and electrical systems on the sunlit side of the earth at commencement.
It may be enhanced as it is occurring at the Spring Equinox (on March 20). At Spring
Equinox the earth's orientation in space is such that the sun is directly overhead
at the equator. At this time magnetic fields are oriented in such a way that
they connect with geomagnetic storms from the sun with greater than usual
strength. This is called the Russell-McFaren effect and has been documented
many times since its discovery in 1973. Geomagnetic storms tend to be larger
at spring and fall equinoxes because of this effect (March 20 and September 20).
Combine this with the new moon and effects on the earth could be substantial.
Watch for the commencement time of this geomagnetic storm today or tomorrow.
Areas near local solar noon and local solar midnight are the most likely
to see seismic enhancement at or within several hours atter commencement. This
strom may have begun around 08:00-10:00 UT on March 19. Plasma Density near earth increased by fivefold
at this time and radial velocity of plasma increased by 20% at this time.
This coincided with an M 5.6 in the Kuril Islands. That epicenter in the Kurils
was at local solar noon when the new moon arrived today and was probably
promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon. The effects of the new moon on seismicity have previously been noted in this
summary." (March 18-19, 2026)
GeoNet reported and earthquake of M 5.0 was felt in southern South Island, New Zealand today.
They gave this earthquake the following parameters and felt information.
O: 21MAR2026 04:27:32 45.1S 167.4E MB=5.0 GEONET Felt with weak intensity in the area south of Te Anau, South Island. 105 reports of felt intensity came from the area east and north of the epicenter including 81 with weak intensity; 23 light; 1 moderate; 0 strong; 0 severe and 0 extreme.
O: 21MAR2026 04:27:33 45.1S 167.4E ML=4.3 EMSC SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California with III in Rio Dell and Eureka.
O: 21MAR2026 05:35:44 40.6N 123.9W MD=3.3 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 21MAR2026 05:35:43 40.6N 124.0W ML=3.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in northern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern Alaska in Nome.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (120 degrees) from TC Narelle and may
have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 21MAR2026 03:34:42 64.6N 165.1W MD=3.4 NEIC NORTHERN ALASKA
O: 21MAR2026 03:34:42 64.6N 165.1W ML=3.4 EMSC NORTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.7 in Vanuatu was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Vanuatu with III in Luganville Sanma.
EMSC reported minor shaking in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
This earthquake is located near the geomagnetic equator near local solar noon
and was probably promoted by the G3 geomagnetic storm which reached its
peak at the time of this earthquake. It is also near the longitude
of maximum tidal stress with the new moon of March 19, 2026 and may have been
promoted by tidal stresses with at alignment. The expected effects
of that new moon had been anticipated in this summary in previous issues as:
"The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands." (March 17-19, 2026).
This epicenter is at 102 degrees from the North Geomagnetic Pole and at the seventh
node (52 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole and at the 15th node (25.8 degrees)
from TC Narelle and may have been promoted by constructive energy interference
from those sources.
O: 21MAR2026 03:21:00 16.0S 166.9E MD=5.7 NEIC CENTRAL VANUATU
O: 21MAR2026 03:21:00 16.0S 166.9E MW=5.7 EMSC VANUATU
O: 21MAR2026 04:15:27 16.0S 166.9E mb=4.5 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in Sicily, Italy was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Sicily at Calatabiano.
EMSC reported this and a series of aftershocks were felt in Italy in Palermo, San Filipo Superiore, Alcamo.
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by a combination of stresses from the new moon of March 19, 2026 and the
major geomagnetic storm which was occurring at the time of this earthquake.
The last earthquake in Sicily within about 150 km of this epicenter with with
a depth less than 200 km and M>=5.2 occurred as an M 6.0 on September 6, 2002.
At the time this summary noted:
"... event of ... major regional significance was an Mb 6.1
which occurred the morning of September 6 in the region near Sicily/So.
Italy. This earthquake is only the second ever recorded in the area 41-36N 13-9E
of Mb>=6, so it is quite significant regionally. It is probably volcanically
associated with Mt. Etna on Sicily, however, this is not certain." (September 6, 2002)
"... a strong geomagnetic storm began on September 4 about 03:00 UT. If this
storm persists for nine of more hours, an automatic seismic watch will
be in effect ...
The geomagnetic storm lasted 12 hours at very active levels - long
enough for the seismic watch to go in effect automatically." (September 5, 2002)
This geomagnetic storm in September, 2002 was the second strongest during
that year at high latitudes and reached high latitude k-index of 8 on September 7, 2002.
This earthquake in Sicily also occurred with a new moon. The circumstances
between today's earthquake in Sicily and this last such event in the
area should not be considered coincidental.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Honshu, Japan
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 21MAR2026 01:46:05 38.5N 14.3E MD=5.2 NEIC SICILY, ITALY
O: 21MAR2026 01:46:06 38.5N 14.2E MB=4.9 EMSC SICILY, ITALY
O: 21MAR2026 01:49:09 38.5N 14.2E ML=4.3 EMSC SICILY, ITALY
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Hawaii was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Hawaii with III in Pahala, Pepeekeo, Captain Cook and II in Naalehu and Kealakekua.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon while the major geomagnetic
storm was under way and may have been promoted by that storm.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from TC Narelle and may
have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 21MAR2026 00:33:29 19.2N 155.5W ML=3.5 EMSC ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
O: 21MAR2026 00:33:29 19.1N 155.5W MD=3.4 NEIC HAWAII
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 Iquique, Tarapaca.
EMSC reported moderat shaking in La Ligua, Quillota, Hacienda La Calera, Quillota, Vina del Mar, Valparaiso, Quilpue, Ovalle and Providencia.
This earthquake occurred at the start of today's geomagntic storm and was
probably promoted by stresses associated with that commencement.
O: 20MAR2026 20:06:52 20.0S 71.0W MD=4.7 NEIC NORTHERN CHILE
O: 20MAR2026 20:38:50 20.0S 71.0W ML=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE TARAPACA, CHILE
O: 20MAR2026 20:06:52 20.0S 71.0W MB=4.7 EMSC OFF COAST OF TARAPACA, CHILE
NEIC 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 Villa Alemana, Vina del Mar and Santiago.
O: 20MAR2026 15:30:45 32.2S 71.7W MD=4.6 NEIC VALPARAISO CHILE
O: 20MAR2026 15:30:42 32.2S 71.8W MB=4.6 EMSC OFFSHORE VALPARAISO, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.6 off the coast of northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of northern California in McKinleyville.
O: 20MAR2026 10:16:26 40.4N 125.4W MD=3.6 NEIC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 20MAR2026 10:16:19 40.4N 125.8W MW=3.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Greece was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Greece with V in Ioannina.
EMSC reported strong shaking in Paramythia, Newkaisareia, Ioannina, Penteli, Asprangeloi, Corfu, Alepou, Gouvia, Gjirokaster, and in Albania at Korce, Vlore, als felt in Galatina, Italy, Sofia, Bulgaria.
EMSC reported regional M 4.5 and M 4.1 aftershocks were felt with long duration in Lixouri, Argostolion, Pyrgos, Patra, Greece.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted
by tidal stresses associated with the new moon of March 19.
These epicenters are at the fourth node (90.0 degrees) from Malaysia; the seventh node
(52 degrees) from the North Geomagnetic Pole and the third node (120 degres)
from TC Narelle and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 20MAR2026 09:40:45 39.7N 20,7E MD=4.9 NEIC GREECE
O: 20MAR2026 09:05:33 39.6N 20.6E MW=4.6 EMSC GREECE
O: 20MAR2026 09:40:46 39.6N 20.6E Mw=4.8 EMSC GREECE
O: 21MAR2026 05:51:31 38.2N 20,4E MD=4.1 EMSC GREECE
O: 20MAR2026 23:31:22 38.2N 20.4E MB=4.5 EMSC GREECE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska near Cantwell.
O: 20MAR2026 09:14:05 63.0N 149.3W MD=3.9 NEIC CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 20MAR2026 09:14:05 63.0N 149.3W ML=3.9 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.6 in Salta, Argentina was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Salta, Argentina in Antofagasta and Copiapo, Chile
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole
and may have been promoted by energy from the strong geomagnetic storm today.
O: 21MAR2026 10:00:37 24.1S 67.0W MD=5.6 NEIC SALTA, ARGENTINA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in Hindu Kush, Afghanistan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Hindu Kush, Afghanistan in Pul-e Sangi, Bagrami and Kabul.
O: 21MAR2026 02:01:54 35.3N 70.0E MD=4.5 EMSC HINDU KUSH, AFGHANISTAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Taiwan in Taichung.
O: 20MAR2026 13:32:43 23,8N 121.6E MD=4.3 EMSC TAIWAN
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-21 00:00 UT 12.9S 138.8E 85 kts South of New Guinea
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 85 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 42W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some antipodal seismicity is possible in the next day or two.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
No solar flares of Class C- or higher were reported by SWPC today.
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: severe storms March 21 minor storms March 22 active March 23. Solar M-flare chance: 5% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 34, high: 20, mid-latitude: 25, time of max AP: 21:00 UT; Max AP: 6.67 Global Kp 6.67 2100-2400, March 20; Sunspot Number: 28; Radio Flux: 102
March 20, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The expected CME as reported in the previous issue of this summary has not
arrived at this writing but is still expected within hours - perhaps late
on March 20 or early on March 21. Major earthquake activity today was therefore
not related to a CME but appears to have been closely related to the new moon
(see below) of March 19. The forecast for seismicity with this new moon as published in
this summary read:
"The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands." (March 17-19, 2026).
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.6 in the South Shetland
Islands southeast of southern South America and north of Antarctica. NEIC reported
it may have been felts with intensity up to V in the epicentral area.
The is the second strongest earthquake during the year 2026. The largest was
an M 7.1 on February 22, 2006 in Malaysia.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter since an
M 6.9 on January 23, 2021 and an M 6.6 on January 15 2012. It was followed by two earthquakes of M 5.0 each. This event
occurred near local solar midnight and was probably promoted by the new moon
of March 19. This area had been expected to see enhanced seismicity with
the current new moon as reported in previous issues of this summary:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.9-7.1 in the South Shetland Islands south of Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity as far as Punta Arenas, Magellanes, Chile.
GUC reported this earthquake of 7.1 was felt with intensity III in Magallanes and Antartida, Chilena at Antartida.
In addition to being the largest earthquake in the world since an M 7.6 in the
Alaska Peninsula October 19, 2020, this M 7.1 is the first in the South
Shetland Islands within about 400 km of this epicenter of M>=7.0 since an M 7.0 on July 11, 1983
and a similar M 7.0 on November 18, 1941 and the strongest recorded in this area, tied with an M 7.0-7.1 on February 8, 1971. This began the same time as solar flare 5990 - a B1.3 event - and may have been promoted by SFE.
This epicenter is near 103 degrees from the M 5.8 in New Guinea which occurred
yesterday and at the third node (120 degrees) from both the M 7.0 in the
Dodecanese Islands of October 20, 2020 and the M 7.0 in the Philippines of
January 21 - the last two major earthquakes in the world - and may have
been promoted by energy from these sources as well.
The South Shetland Islands most recently became active in late August 2020 and
as seen an M 5.8 on October 2, 2020 and an M 6.0 on November 6, 2020.
The last earthquakes of M>6 in this area occurred on January 15, 2012 with M 6.6 and on June 17, 1992 with M 6.2.
The event in 2012 was followed by an M 4.89 a month later in southern California
and an M 4.5 in Los Angeles on August 8, 2012 while the event in June, 1992 was
followed 11 days later by the M 7.3 Lander earthquake east of Los Angeles, California
on June 28, 1992. Events in the South Shetland Islands of M 7.0 in November, 1941
were accompanied by an M 5.5 in the Los Angeles area and an M 6.0 Coalinga quake in July 1983.
The reason this may be important is that southern California is at 103-105
degrees from the South Shetland Islands, a distance at which strong energy
concentration occurs following major earthquakes due to reflection and
refraction off core-mantle boundaries of seismic energy. It is of particular
note that the largest earthquake in the South Shetland Islands prior to today's
occurred on February 8, 1971 (M 7.0-7.1) because less than a day later, an M 6.7 did much
damage in the Los Angeles, California area (the San Fernando quake).
With this in mind this summary is placing southern California and especially
areas of Los Angeles and south of that under a seismic watch through early
February 2021. A seismic watch means that historical conditions exist such that
a significant or enhanced earthquake could hit the area in this period or thereafter
in the short-term. In addition, because of the unusual nature of this event,
much stress may have been propagated to far-field locations and global seismicity
is expected experience a marked increase in the next several days." (January 23, 2021)
and with the January 15, 2012 event this summary noted:
"A pair of strong earthquakes of M 6.6 and 6.2 hit the South Shetland Islands area north of
Antarctica today. The epicenter was nabout 40 km north of Elephant Island. The
South Shetland Islands are remote and contain more than a dozen research
stations administered under the Antarctic Treaty System. The only earthquake located by
NEIC in the South Shetland Islands in the past four years was an was an M 4.9 on June 13, 2011.
The last large earthquake in the area was an M 7.6 on August 3, 2003 about
600 km from today's epicenter. That earthquake caused slight damage at Orcadas
Base on Laurie Island. The only event within 500 km of today's earthquake of M>6 in the
past 22 years was an M 6.1-6.2 on June 17, 1992. The South Shetland Islands
may be a canary area for southern California. Many of the strongest earthquakes
in that region are quickly followed by large earthquakes in Southern California.
The first recorded large earthquake in the South Shetland Islands region
occurred on February 8, 1971 with M 7.0. It was followed 17 hours later
by the M 6.7 San Fernando Valley earthquake of February 9, 1971 which killed
more than 50 and caused about a billion dollars in damage. The next South
Shetland earthquake of M>6 on September 23, 1979 was followed 22 days later
by an M 7.0 on October 15, 1979 in Baja California. The next earthquake of
M>6 in the South Shetland Islands occurred on July 11, 1983 with M 7.0 and
was followed 11 days later by an M 6.0 in the Coalinga area of southern
California. The next strong earthquake in the South Shetland Islands occurred
on June 17, 1992 with M 6.2. It too was followed 11 days later, this time
by the M 7.3 earthquake in Landers, Southern California, the strongest earthquake
in Southern California in the past 60 years. The earthquakes on August 4, 2004
of M 7.6 was considerably further to the east than these other events and
was followed four months later by the M 6.6 in the San Simeon area of southern
California." (January 15, 2012)
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the South Sandwich Islands was not felt in this remote epicentral area.
This epicenter is antipodal to an M 4.9 in Russia which occurred yesterday
and was reported in this summary as:
"The most unusual earthquake in the world today was an M 4.9 in the Russian Far East. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Magadan, Russia.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Russia at Uptar, Sokol, Magadan.
This is an interesting event as it occurred almost exactly at a position antipodal
to an M 5.2 in the South Sandwich Islands on March 14, 2026 and is exactly
antipodal to earthquakes of M 6.3 on October 4, 2021 and August 13, 2021.
It is also near the antipode of the M 8.8 in Kamchatka in July, 2025.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
Russia in at least 25 years.
A pair of moderate earthquakes also occurred north of Lake Baykal, Russia today.
This epicenter is near the antipode of the major earthquake in the South
Shetland Islands and the Drake Passage the last of which was an M 7.7 on
October 10, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"A near-great earthquake of M 7.6-7.8 occurred in the Drake Passage south of
Western South America today. A tsunami warning was issued by PTWC but has
since been modified from a strong tsunami to a possible minor tsunami with
strong currents and sea level fluctuations. Readers along the coast of
South America should not be near the coastline at this time.
NEIC reported it may have been lightly felt in Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
CSN (Chile earthquake network) reported intensity VI in Magallanes and Antartica, Chilena in Antarctici at Base Frei and IV in Base Fildes and Base Prat.
This earthquake occurred at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with
the full moon of October 7 (60 West longitude) at the opposite longitude 120-126 degrees longitude.
This easterly longitude saw a major M 7.4 and an aftershock of M 6.9 in
Mindanao, Philippines earlier in the day. This summary has hypothesized and still maintains tidal
triggering from the full moon is largely responsible for these major earthquakes
as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive at 03:47 UT on October 7, 2025. This is the largest super-moon of the year as it is closest to earth at this time. This in turn, considerably enhances tidal stresses (at the inverse third power of distance) and can lead to larger global earthquakes within a couple of days of the full moon. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 124 East and those at local solar midnight are near 56 West longitude. In the west these include the northern and Eastern Caribbean as well as areas of western South America while in the East longitudes near 126 E are located in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia among others. These are the most likely areas to see tidal triggering at this time, but other areas could see significant enhancement in seismicity in the next several days. These would most likely see seismic enhancement near local solar noon or midnight. A strong to major earthquake is considered likely with this full moon before October 8, 2025" (revised to October 11, 2025).
This includes the aftershock area of the earthquake of M 6.9 in the Philiippines of September 30 (at 124E longitude) and is likely to enhance regional seismicity in that area at this time." (October 2-10, 2025)
Today's M 7.7 in the Drake Passage follows a M 7.5 near the same epicenter
on August 22, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"A major earthquake occurred today south of the Drake Passage near the South Shetland Islands
south of South America. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
CSN reported this event at M 7.6 was felt in Chile at Magallanes and Antarctica with V in Base Frei and IV in Base Fildes and Base Prat. This event appears to be a regional aftershock of
an M 7.4 in the Drake Passage which occurred about 1000 km northwest of today's
epicenter on May 2, 2025. Today's epicenter is in the general antipodal
region of the M 8.8 in Kamchatka of July 29, 2025 and may have been promoted
be energy from that source. It occurred near local solar midnight and was
probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the new moon of August 23 ...
The antipodal (and seismic triggering) relation of these two regions has been discussed in detail in
previous issues of this summary.
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.9-7.1 in the South Shetland Islands south of Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity as far as Punta Arenas, Magellanes, Chile.
GUC reported this earthquake of 7.1 was felt with intensity III in Magallanes and Antartida, Chilena at Antartida.
In addition to being the largest earthquake in the world since an M 7.6 in the
Alaska Peninsula October 19, 2020, this M 7.1 is the first in the South
Shetland Islands within about 400 km of this epicenter of M>=7.0 since an M 7.0 on July 11, 1983
and a similar M 7.0 on November 18, 1941 and the strongest recorded in this area, tied with an M 7.0-7.1 on February 8, 1971. This began the same time as solar flare 5990 - a B1.3 event - and may have been promoted by SFE.
This epicenter is near 103 degrees from the M 5.8 in New Guinea which occurred
yesterday and at the third node (120 degrees) from both the M 7.0 in the
Dodecanese Islands of October 20, 2020 and the M 7.0 in the Philippines of
January 21 - the last two major earthquakes in the world - and may have
been promoted by energy from these sources as well.
The South Shetland Islands most recently became active in late August 2020 and
as seen an M 5.8 on October 2, 2020 and an M 6.0 on November 6, 2020.
The last earthquakes of M>6 in this area occurred on January 15, 2012 with M 6.6 and on June 17, 1992 with M 6.2.
The event in 2012 was followed by an M 4.89 a month later in southern California
and an M 4.5 in Los Angeles on August 8, 2012 while the event in June, 1992 was
followed 11 days later by the M 7.3 Lander earthquake east of Los Angeles, California
on June 28, 1992. Events in the South Shetland Islands of M 7.0 in November, 1941
were accompanied by an M 5.5 in the Los Angeles area and an M 6.0 Coalinga quake in July 1983.
The reason this may be important is that southern California is at 103-105
degrees from the South Shetland Islands, a distance at which strong energy
concentration occurs following major earthquakes due to reflection and
refraction off core-mantle boundaries of seismic energy. It is of particular
note that the largest earthquake in the South Shetland Islands prior to today's
occurred on February 8, 1971 (M 7.0-7.1) because less than a day later, an M 6.7 did much
damage in the Los Angeles, California area (the San Fernando quake).
With this in mind this summary is placing southern California and especially
areas of Los Angeles and south of that under a seismic watch through early
February 2021. A seismic watch means that historical conditions exist such that
a significant or enhanced earthquake could hit the area in this period or thereafter
in the short-term. In addition, because of the unusual nature of this event,
much stress may have been propagated to far-field locations and global seismicity
is expected experience a marked increase in the next several days." (January 23, 2021)
and with the January 15, 2012 event this summary noted:
"A pair of strong earthquakes of M 6.6 and 6.2 hit the South Shetland Islands area north of
Antarctica today. The epicenter was nabout 40 km north of Elephant Island. The
South Shetland Islands are remote and contain more than a dozen research
stations administered under the Antarctic Treaty System. The only earthquake located by
NEIC in the South Shetland Islands in the past four years was an was an M 4.9 on June 13, 2011.
The last large earthquake in the area was an M 7.6 on August 3, 2003 about
600 km from today's epicenter. That earthquake caused slight damage at Orcadas
Base on Laurie Island. The only event within 500 km of today's earthquake of M>6 in the
past 22 years was an M 6.1-6.2 on June 17, 1992. The South Shetland Islands
may be a canary area for southern California. Many of the strongest earthquakes
in that region are quickly followed by large earthquakes in Southern California.
The first recorded large earthquake in the South Shetland Islands region
occurred on February 8, 1971 with M 7.0. It was followed 17 hours later
by the M 6.7 San Fernando Valley earthquake of February 9, 1971 which killed
more than 50 and caused about a billion dollars in damage. The next South
Shetland earthquake of M>6 on September 23, 1979 was followed 22 days later
by an M 7.0 on October 15, 1979 in Baja California. The next earthquake of
M>6 in the South Shetland Islands occurred on July 11, 1983 with M 7.0 and
was followed 11 days later by an M 6.0 in the Coalinga area of southern
California. The next strong earthquake in the South Shetland Islands occurred
on June 17, 1992 with M 6.2. It too was followed 11 days later, this time
by the M 7.3 earthquake in Landers, Southern California, the strongest earthquake
in Southern California in the past 60 years. The earthquakes on August 4, 2004
of M 7.6 was considerably further to the east than these other events and
was followed four months later by the M 6.6 in the San Simeon area of southern
California." (January 15, 2012)
This epicenter is at 104 degrees from Tropical cyclone Narelle and may
have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 20MAR2026 00:22:02 61.1S 56.3W ML=6.6 NEIC SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
O: 20MAR2026 00:22:03 61.3S 56.4W MW=6.6 EMSC SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 6.1 in Southern Vanuatu was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Vanuatu with IV near Isangel.
EMSC reported it was felt lightly in Vanuatu in Port-Vila and in New Caledonia at Noumea.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon in this area and was probably
promoted by tidal effects related to the new moon of March 19 (see above) as
it occurred near the longitude of maximum stress with that alignment.
This epicenter is at 105 degrees from the North Geomagnetic Pole; at the sixth node
from Malaysia (60 degrees) and the fifth node (52 degrees) from Kamchatka and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 20MAR2026 02:30:32 19.3S 168.3E ML=6.1 NEIC SOUTHERN VANUATU
O: 20MAR2026 02:30:33 19.3S 168.3E MW=6.1 EMSC VANUATU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Greece was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Greece near Zakharo, Ilia.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Greece at Zacharo, Kyparissia, Makrisia, Kopanaki, Pyrgos, Myrtia, Chora, Messini, Kalamata, Mikra Mantineia, Sparti.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Malaysia and at the
third node (120 degrees) from TC Narelle and may have been promoted by energy
from those sources.
O: 20MAR2026 01:49:42 37.4N 21.6E ML=4.6 NEIC GREECE
O: 20MAR2026 01:49:43 37.4N 21.6E MB=4.6 EMSC SOUTHERN GREECE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.2 in Anguilla, Leeward Islands was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Anguilla, Leeward Islands in Puerto Rico.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from teh North Geomagnetic
Pole and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 19MAR2026 22:46:47 18.9N 62.6W ML=5.2 NEIC ANGUILLA, LEEWARD ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 22:46:47 18.9N 62.6W MW=5.2 EMSC ANGUILLA REGION, LEEWARD ISLAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 South of Panama was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Panama.
O: 19MAR2026 11:36:45 5.0N 82.6W ML=5.4 NEIC SOUTH OF PANAMA
O: 19MAR2026 11:36:45 5.0N 82.6W MW=5.4 EMSC SOUTH OF PANAMA
A series of moderate earthquakes followed the M 5.6 in the northern Kuril Islands
today. While these were not reported felt, they appear to have been promoted
by tidal effects associated with the new moon of March 19 as they occurred
on a longitude of maximum stress with that event near local solar noon.
In the previous issue of this summary the had been reported:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.6 in the Kuril Islands was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Kuril Islands with IV likely near Severo-Kuril'sk, Russia.
This epicenter was within minutes of local solar noon when the new moon arrived
and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with that alignment. This was
the strongest earthquake in the world today.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from Malaysia and may
have been promoted by energy from that source." (March 19, 2025)
O: 19MAR2026 07:43:33 49.2N 156.3E ML=5.6 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 18:45:58 47.7N 152.4E MB=4.4 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 08:55:49 49.1N 156.6E mb=4.6 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 11:50:05 49.2N 156.1E mb=4.3 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 12:48:50 49.2N 156.3E mb=5.2 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 13:17:14 49.2N 156.2E mb=4.5 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 07:43:29 49.3N 156.1E Mw=5.6 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 08:41:59 49.3N 156.2E mb=4.4 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 19:10:54 49.3N 156.1E mb=4.8 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 13:43:33 49.4N 156.1E mb=4.8 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 17:41:38 49.4N 156.0E mb=4.7 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.2 in Kamchatka, Russia was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Kamchatka at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
O: 20MAR2026 06:01:50 53.0N 159.9E ML=4.2 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA
O: 19MAR2026 10:19:32 51.4N 159.5E MB=4.3 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
O: 20MAR2026 06:01:50 53.0N 159.9E mb=4.2 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF KAMCHATKA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.0 in Western Turkey was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Western Turkey in Akhisar, Balikesir, Menemen, Buca and Atabey.
O: 20MAR2026 04:52:02 39.3N 28.0E ML=4.0 EMSC WESTERN TURKEY
O: 20MAR2026 04:52:02 39.2N 28.0E ML=4.0 EMSC WESTERN TURKEY
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-20 00:00 UT 13.0S 141.5E 110 kts South of New Guinea
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 110 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 38W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some antipodal seismicity is possible in the next two days.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1840 0544 0558 0610 C2.3 (March 19, 2026) 2.3E-03
Banda Sea M 4.2 06:14 UT
Mid-Indian Ridge M 5.0 06:26 UT M 5.0 06:32 UT M 4.8 06:36 UT
Souoth Carolina M 2.1 06:32 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: severe storms March 20-21 minor storms March 22. Solar M-flare chance: 10% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 3, high: 0, mid-latitude: 3, time of max AP: 19:00 UT; Max AP: 2 Global Kp 1.00 1600-1900, March 19; Sunspot Number: 38; Radio Flux: 106
March 19, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A CME is headed directly towards earth and is expected to arrive on March 19 UT.
This may combine with several other CMEs currently heading towards earth. SWPC
had predicted a major geomagnetic storm is likely on March 19. The strength
of this storm would probably be in the G2-G3 range and could adversely affect
satellites and electrical systems on the sunlit side of the earth at commencement.
It may be enhanced as it is occurring at the Spring Equinox (on March 20). At Spring
Equinox the earth's orientation in space is such that the sun is directly overhead
at the equator. At this time magnetic fields are oriented in such a way that
they connect with geomagnetic storms from the sun with greater than usual
strength. This is called the Russell-McFaren effect and has been documented
many times since its discovery in 1973. Geomagnetic storms tend to be larger
at spring and fall equinoxes because of this effect (March 20 and September 20).
Combine this with the new moon and effects on the earth could be substantial.
Watch for the commencement time of this geomagnetic storm today or tomorrow.
Areas near local solar noon and local solar midnight are the most likely
to see seismic enhancement at or within several hours atter commencement. This
strom may have begun around 08:00-10:00 UT on March 19. Plasma Density near earth increased by fivefold
at this time and radial velocity of plasma increased by 20% at this time.
This coincided with an M 5.6 in the Kuril Islands. That epicenter in the Kurils
was at local solar noon when the new moon arrived today and was probably
promoted by tidal stresses with the new moon. The effects of the new moon on seismicity have previously been noted in this
summary as:
The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.6 in the Kuril Islands was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Kuril Islands with IV likely near Severo-Kuril'sk, Russia.
This epicenter was within minutes of local solar noon when the new moon arrived
and was probably promoted by tidal stresses with that alignment. This was
the strongest earthquake in the world today.
This epicenter is at the seventh node (52 degrees) from Malaysia and may
have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 19MAR2026 07:43:33 49.2N 156.3E ML=5.6 EMSC KURIL ISLANDS
A series of earthquake is occurring in the Mid-Indian Ridge. This started with
an M 5.4 early on March 18, 2026 and has seen a series of moderate, unfelt
aftershocks. This swarm may have been promoted by a major Tropical Cyclone (Horacio)
which passed over this epicenter in late February. This was noted in this
summary at the time as:
"TC HORACIO 2026-02-23 00:00 UT 19.0S 66.5E 115 kts South Indian Ocean
Tropical cyclone Horacio continued today as a strong cyclone in the southern Indian Ocean with winds up to 115 kts. This system is tracking to the south and could enhance regional seismicity along the ridge faults in the area. The antipode is at 19N 114W in the area southwest of the Gulf of California. This is a seismic region and triggering of a moderate earthquake near this location in Mexico is possible around February 23-25, 2026 is possible." (February 24-26, 2026)
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic Pole
and the fifth node from TC Narelle (72 degrees) and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 18MAR2026 12:19:53 21.5S 68.8E MB=4.6 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 14:51:08 21.5S 68.7E mb=4.8 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 12:06:34 21.6S 68.9E mb=4.6 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 19MAR2026 06:26:36 21.6S 68.9E mb=5.0 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 12:11:54 21.7S 68.9E Mw=5.1 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 19MAR2026 06:32:09 21.7S 68.8E mb=5.0 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 11:10:59 21.8S 68.9E Mw=5.4 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 13:36:30 21.8S 68.8E mb=4.8 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 19MAR2026 06:36:10 21.8S 68.8E mb=4.8 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 11:29:07 22.0S 68.7E mb=4.8 EMSC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 19MAR2026 06:26:36 21.4S 68.8E ML=5.0 NEIC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
O: 18MAR2026 11:10:59 21.4S 68.7E ML=5.4 NEIC MID-INDIAN RIDGE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in western Iran was not felt in the epicentral area.
This epicenter is at 104 degrees from TC Narelle; at the sixth node from
the North Geomagnetic Pole (60 degrees) and the fifth node (72 degrees)
from Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 19MAR2026 08:55:30 32.5N 48.2E ML=4.4 NEIC WESTERN IRAN
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.9 in the California-Nevada border region was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the California-Nevada border region in Reno, Nevada.
O: 19MAR2026 07:54:03 38.5N 119.5W ML=2.9 NEIC CALIFORNIA-NEVADA
O: 19MAR2026 07:54:03 38.6N 119.5W MD=2.9 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.1 in the South Sandwich Islands was not felt in this remote epicentral area.
This epicenter is antipodal to an M 4.9 in Russia which occurred yesterday
and was reported in this summary as:
"The most unusual earthquake in the world today was an M 4.9 in the Russian Far East. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Magadan, Russia.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Russia at Uptar, Sokol, Magadan.
This is an interesting event as it occurred almost exactly at a position antipodal
to an M 5.2 in the South Sandwich Islands on March 14, 2026 and is exactly
antipodal to earthquakes of M 6.3 on October 4, 2021 and August 13, 2021.
It is also near the antipode of the M 8.8 in Kamchatka in July, 2025.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
Russia in at least 25 years.
A pair of moderate earthquakes also occurred north of Lake Baykal, Russia today.
This epicenter is near the antipode of the major earthquake in the South
Shetland Islands and the Drake Passage the last of which was an M 7.7 on
October 10, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"A near-great earthquake of M 7.6-7.8 occurred in the Drake Passage south of
Western South America today. A tsunami warning was issued by PTWC but has
since been modified from a strong tsunami to a possible minor tsunami with
strong currents and sea level fluctuations. Readers along the coast of
South America should not be near the coastline at this time.
NEIC reported it may have been lightly felt in Ushuaia Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
CSN (Chile earthquake network) reported intensity VI in Magallanes and Antartica, Chilena in Antarctici at Base Frei and IV in Base Fildes and Base Prat.
This earthquake occurred at the longitude of maximum tidal stress with
the full moon of October 7 (60 West longitude) at the opposite longitude 120-126 degrees longitude.
This easterly longitude saw a major M 7.4 and an aftershock of M 6.9 in
Mindanao, Philippines earlier in the day. This summary has hypothesized and still maintains tidal
triggering from the full moon is largely responsible for these major earthquakes
as noted in previous issues of this summary:
"The full moon will arrive at 03:47 UT on October 7, 2025. This is the largest super-moon of the year as it is closest to earth at this time. This in turn, considerably enhances tidal stresses (at the inverse third power of distance) and can lead to larger global earthquakes within a couple of days of the full moon. Longitudes at local solar noon are near 124 East and those at local solar midnight are near 56 West longitude. In the west these include the northern and Eastern Caribbean as well as areas of western South America while in the East longitudes near 126 E are located in the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Indonesia among others. These are the most likely areas to see tidal triggering at this time, but other areas could see significant enhancement in seismicity in the next several days. These would most likely see seismic enhancement near local solar noon or midnight. A strong to major earthquake is considered likely with this full moon before October 8, 2025" (revised to October 11, 2025).
This includes the aftershock area of the earthquake of M 6.9 in the Philiippines of September 30 (at 124E longitude) and is likely to enhance regional seismicity in that area at this time." (October 2-10, 2025)
Today's M 7.7 in the Drake Passage follows a M 7.5 near the same epicenter
on August 22, 2025. At the time this summary noted:
"A major earthquake occurred today south of the Drake Passage near the South Shetland Islands
south of South America. NEIC reported it was lightly felt in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
CSN reported this event at M 7.6 was felt in Chile at Magallanes and Antarctica with V in Base Frei and IV in Base Fildes and Base Prat. This event appears to be a regional aftershock of
an M 7.4 in the Drake Passage which occurred about 1000 km northwest of today's
epicenter on May 2, 2025. Today's epicenter is in the general antipodal
region of the M 8.8 in Kamchatka of July 29, 2025 and may have been promoted
be energy from that source. It occurred near local solar midnight and was
probably promoted by strong tidal stresses with the new moon of August 23
as noted in previous issues of this summary:
...
No major tsunami is expected with today's earthquake but minor waves may
be generated in the generally unpopulated area of southern Chile and the
Antarctic.
The last earthquake within about 400 km of today's epicenter with M>=7 occurred
more than 35 years ago. The last significant earthquake in this area was an
M 6.9 on January 23, 2021. At the time this summary noted:
"The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 6.9-7.1 in the South Shetland Islands south of Chile. NEIC reported it was felt with light intensity as far as Punta Arenas, Magellanes, Chile.
GUC reported this earthquake of 7.1 was felt with intensity III in Magallanes and Antartida, Chilena at Antartida.
In addition to being the largest earthquake in the world since an M 7.6 in the
Alaska Peninsula October 19, 2020, this M 7.1 is the first in the South
Sheland Islands within about 400 km of this epicenter of M>=7.0 since an M 7.0 on July 11, 1983
and a similar M 7.0 on November 18, 1941 and the strongest recorded in this area, tied with an M 7.0-7.1 on February 8, 1971." (January 23, 2021)
Observant readers may recognize the date in 1971 was the same as the San
Fernando Earthquake in Southern California of M 6.7. The distance between
these two epicenters is 103 degrees and triggering may occurred in that
case. ... " (October 10, 2025)
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the South Geomagnetic
Pole and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 17MAR2026 20:55:34 56.0N 110.9E MB=4.6 EMSC LAKE BAYKAL REGION, RUSSIA
O: 17MAR2026 19:48:24 56.0N 110.7E mb=3.8 EMSC LAKE BAYKAL REGION, RUSSIA
The antipodal (and seismic triggering) relation of these two regions has been discussed in detail in
previous issues of this summary.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Malaysia; at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from TC Narelle and at the fifth node (52 degrees) from the Kona Storm Hawaii and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources." (March 17-18, 2026)
O: 17MAR2026 11:05:44 59.9N 151.3E MB=4.9 EMSC MAGADANSKAYA OBLAST', RUSSIA
O: 17MAR2026 11:05:45 59.9N 151.4E ML=4.9 NEIC OLA, RUSSIA
The epicenter in the South Sandwich Islands is at 107 degrees from TC Narelle;
near the antipode of Kamchatka and at the third node (120 degrees) from Malaysia
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 19MAR2026 02:07:29 59.3S 26.0W ML=5.1 NEIC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS
O: 19MAR2026 02:07:30 59.4S 26.0W MB=5.1 EMSC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Guatemala was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Guatemala in San Jose del Golfo and in Honduras with IV in Armenta, Cortes, III in La Lima, and II in San Pedro Sula and El Chimbo Francisco Morazan and in San Ignacio Cayo, Belize.
EMSC reported moderate to strong shaking in Honduras at Cuyamel, Pena Blanca, and Tela.
This event occurred within minutes of local solar noon and may have been
promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
O: 18MAR2026 17:35:31 15.4N 89.0W ML=5.0 NEIC GUATEMALA
O: 18MAR2026 17:35:32 15.4N 89.0W MW=5.0 EMSC GUATEMALA
O: 19MAR2026 02:36:35 15.3N 89.0W ML=4.1 EMSC GUATEMALA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern Alaska at Eagle River, Chugiak, Willow and Wasilla and Anchorage.
O: 18MAR2026 14:39:57 61.7N 149.6W ML=3.4 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 18MAR2026 14:39:57 61.7N 149.5W ML=3.4 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.9 in Central Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central Alaska at Talkeetna and Anchorage.
O: 18MAR2026 12:23:33 62.8N 149.6W ML=3.9 EMSC CENTRAL ALASKA
O: 18MAR2026 12:23:33 62.8N 149.6W ML=3.9 NEIC CENTRAL ALASKA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 2.1 in South Carolina was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of South Carolina in Irmo and Lexington. A minor aftershock may have occurred at 06:36 UT.
NEIC reported it was felt with intensity III in South Carolina at Columbia and II in Lexington, Irmo, Cayce.
This event occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted by
tidal stresses with today's new moon.
O: 19MAR2026 06:32:00 34.1N 81.2W ML=2.1 NEIC SOUTH CAROLINA
O: 19MAR2026 06:32:00 34.1N 81.2W ML=2.1 EMSC SOUTH CAROLINA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Luzon, Philippines was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Luzon, Philippines in Baguio, Santa Cruz, Santo Tomas and Pasig City.
O: 18MAR2026 22:11:25 16.4N 119.9E ML=4.4 EMSC LUZON, PHILIPPINES
O: 18MAR2026 22:11:25 16.4N 119.9E ML=4.4 EMSC LUZON, PHILIPPINES
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-19 00:00 UT 13.6S 146.5E 150 kts South of New Guinea
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Guinea today as a major storm with winds up to 150 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 13N 34W in the area of the northern mid-Atlantic and is nearing the North Atlantic Ridge where some antipodal seismicity is possible in the next two days.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 18, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1530 0059 0123 0133 C3.9 (March 18, 2026) 4.2E-03
Northern California M 2.9 01:14 UT
Rat Is. M 3.7 01:03 UT
1560 0242 0251 0309 C1.0 (March 18, 2026) 1.5E-03
1580 0358 0419 0423 C1.1 (March 18, 2026) 1.7E-03
Molucca M 4.0 03:57 UT
1590 0423 0434 0437 C1.2 (March 18, 2026) 1.1E-03
Myanmar M 3.8 04:23 UT
Hokkaido M 4.0 04:33 UT
Rat Is. M 5.2 04:36 UT
Vancouver M 3.2 04:39 UT
1600 0644 0659 0709 C2.7 (March 18, 2026) 2.8E-03
Baja California M 3.3 06:44 UT
1620 0826 0842 0857 M2.7 (March 18, 2026) 3.0E-02
Sumatra M 4.3 09:07 UT
Antofagasta M 3.4 08:43 UT
1740 0948 1002 1012 C2.8 (March 18, 2026) 2.9E-03
1660 1253 1311 1321 C3.6 (March 18, 2026) 4.1E-03
Luzon M 3.4 13:02 UT
1710 1645 1654 1658 C1.0 (March 18, 2026) 7.7E-04
Andreanof Is. M 4.2 16:57 UT
Panama M 3.5 16:50 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: major storms March 19-21. Solar M-flare chance: 35% X-class: 10% proton storm: 10%
AP Indicies: global: 5, high: 2, mid-latitude: 4, time of max AP: 09:00 UT; Max AP: 2 Global Kp 1.67 0600-0900, March 17; Sunspot Number: 83; Radio Flux: 113
March 18, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
A CME is headed directly towards earth and is expected to arrive on March 19 UT.
This may combine with several other CMEs currently heading towards earth. SWPC
had predicted a major geomagnetic storm is likely on March 19. The strength
of this storm would probably be in the G2-G3 range and could adversely affect
satellites and electrical systems on the sunlit side of the earth at commencement.
It may be enhanced as it is occurring at the Spring Equinox (on March 20). At Spring
Equinox the earth's orientation in space is such that the sun is directly overhead
at the equator. At this time magnetic fields are oriented in such a way that
they connect with geomagnetic storms from the sun with greater than usual
strength. This is called the Russell-McFaren effect and has been documented
many times since its discovery in 1973. Geomagnetic storms tend to be larger
at spring and fall equinoxes because of this effect (March 20 and September 20).
Combine this with the new moon and effects on the earth could be substantial.
Watch for the commencement time of this geomagnetic storm today or tomorrow.
Areas near local solar noon and local solar midnight are the most likely
to see seismic enhancement at or within several hours atter commencement. The
effects of the new moon on seismicity have previously been noted in this
summary as:
The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands.
The most unusual earthquake in the world today was an M 4.9 in the Russian Far East. NEIC reported it was felt with intensity IV in Magadan, Russia.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Russia at Uptar, Sokol, Magadan.
This is an interesting event as it occurred almost exactly at a position antipodal
to an M 5.2 in the South Sandwich Islands on March 14, 2026 and is exactly
antipodal to earthquakes of M 6.3 on October 4, 2021 and August 13, 2021.
It is also near the antipode of the M 8.8 in Kamchatka in July, 2025.
This is the strongest earthquake within about 200 km of this epicenter in
Russia in at least 25 years.
The antipodal (and seismic triggering) relation of these two regions has been discussed in detail in
previous issues of this summary.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Malaysia; at the fifth node (72 degrees)
from TC Narelle and at the fifth node (52 degrees) from the Kona Storm Hawaii and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 17MAR2026 11:05:44 59.9N 151.3E MB=4.9 EMSC MAGADANSKAYA OBLAST', RUSSIA
O: 17MAR2026 11:05:45 59.9N 151.4E ML=4.9 NEIC OLA, RUSSIA
O: 14MAR2026 08:34:38 58.8S 25.4W MB=5.2 EMSC SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported earthquakes of M 4.9 and M 5.3 in the Rat Islands were felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the Rat Islands near Attu Station.
O: 18MAR2026 04:36:32 52.1N 176.4E ML=4.9 NEIC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 16:21:37 52.2N 176.5E ML=5.3 NEIC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 18MAR2026 03:27:36 51.7N 178.5E ML=3.1 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 10:50:24 51.9N 176.2E ML=3.2 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 18MAR2026 00:44:30 51.9N 176.3E ML=3.5 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 09:43:51 52.0N 176.4E ML=2.7 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 13:19:05 52.0N 176.3E ML=3.2 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 20:21:00 52.0N 176.3E ML=3.3 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 18MAR2026 01:03:28 52.0N 176.2E ML=3.7 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 23:08:41 52.1N 176.3E ML=3.0 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 18MAR2026 02:39:52 52.1N 176.3E ML=3.3 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 17MAR2026 16:21:40 52.3N 176.6E Mw=5.3 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
O: 18MAR2026 04:36:33 52.3N 176.5E mb=5.2 EMSC RAT ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS
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 IV in Middletown, III in Healdsburg and II in San Rafael.
O: 18MAR2026 01:14:50 38.8N 122.8W ML=3.0 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 17MAR2026 23:03:02 38.3N 122.4W MD=2.4 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 18MAR2026 01:14:50 38.8N 122.8W ML=2.9 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 17MAR2026 20:00:52 38.8N 122.8W ML=3.3 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Vanuatu was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Vanuatu in Luganville, Sanma.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects.
This epicenter is at the sixth node (60 degrees) from Malaysia and from Honshu
and at the eighth node (45 degrees) from Kona Storm Hawaii and may have been
promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 17MAR2026 19:19:09 13.5S 172.2E MB=4.8 EMSC VANUATU REGION
O: 17MAR2026 23:27:57 14.8S 167.0E ML=4.9 NEIC VANUATU ISLANDS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.5 in the area of Gibraltar, Spain was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of the area of Gibraltar, Spain with III in Malaga, Spain and in Morocco at Rabat and Casablanca with II.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Spain at Fuengirola, San Pedro de Alcantara, Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Estepona, Ceuta, Manilva, Gibraltar among others and it was felt as far as El Jadid, Morocco 500 km from the epicenter.
This earthquake occurred near local solar midnight and may have been promoted
by tidal stresses associated with the new moon of March 19 (see above).
This epicenter is at the third node (120 degrees) from the Kona Storm in Hawaii
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 17MAR2026 23:24:54 35.9N 4.5W ML=4.5 NEIC STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR, SPAIN
O: 17MAR2026 23:24:55 36.0N 4.6W MB=4.5 EMSC STRAIT OF GIBRALTAR
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Chiriqui, Panama was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Chiriqui, Panama with III in Boquete, Finca Blanco and II in Horconcitos, Quiteno.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Golfito, Ciudad Cortes, Costa Rica and in Panama at El Palmar, Manaca Civil, Limones.
This epicenter is at the fifth node (72 degrees) from the Kona Storm in Hawaii
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 17MAR2026 20:25:33 8.7N 83.0W ML=4.6 NEIC PANAMA
O: 17MAR2026 20:25:29 8.6N 83.0W MB=4.6 EMSC COSTA RICA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California with III in Live Oak, Yuba City, Camptonville and Arbuckle and II in Nevada City, Colfax, Penn Valley.
O: 17MAR2026 17:26:01 39.2N 122.0W ML=3.3 NEIC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 17MAR2026 17:26:01 39.3N 122.0W ML=3.1 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 in Southern Alaska was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Souothern Alaska in Copper Center.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from TC Narelle and Malaysia and
may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 17MAR2026 14:59:04 61.1N 143.6W ML=3.3 NEIC SOUTHERN ALASKA
O: 17MAR2026 14:59:04 61.1N 143.6W ML=3.3 EMSC SOUTHERN ALASKA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.4 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California with III in San Martin and II in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, San Jose, Felton, Palo Alto, Aptos, Campbell, Pebble Beach.
O: 17MAR2026 13:48:36 37.0N 121.5W ML=3.4 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 17MAR2026 10:00:16 36.7N 122.1W MD=2.4 EMSC OFFSHORE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.7 off the coast of Northern California in was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California with III in Fort Bragg and II in Scotia, Eureka and Whitethorn and Fortuna.
O: 17MAR2026 12:56:18 40.3N 124.6W ML=3.7 NEIC OFF THE COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 17MAR2026 12:56:18 40.3N 124.6W MW=3.5 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Rodotopi, Neochoropoulo, Ioannina, Eksochi, Igoumenitsa, Arta, and in Sarande and Gjirokaster, Albania.
O: 17MAR2026 10:37:02 39.6N 20.7E ML=4.3 EMSC GREECE
O: 17MAR2026 10:37:02 39.6N 20.7E MB=4.3 EMSC GREECE
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE NARELLE (27P)
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC NARELLE 2026-03-18 00:00 UT 12.4S 153.3E 80 kts South of New Britain
Tropical Cyclone Narelle (27P) continued south of New Britain today with winds up to 80 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 27W in the area of the western Atlantic which is not seismic at this time.
KONA STORM
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
KONA STORM 2026-03-17 00:00 UT 20.3N 156.6E 135 mph South of Solomon Is.
A powerful Kona Storm continued today in Hawaii. This storm reached wind
speeds up to 135 mph and dropped 44 inches of rain on Kula in the past several days.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 17, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1400 0855 0904 0909 M1.3 (March 17, 2026) 6.9E-03
Oaxaca M 4.3 09:18 UT
Cuba M 4.0 09:18 UT
1510 2247 2257 2302 C1.0 (March 17, 2026) 7.4E-04
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled March 18 major storms March 19 minor storms March 20. Solar M-flare chance: 35% X-class: 5% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 4, high: 2, mid-latitude: 4, time of max AP: 10:00 UT; Max AP: 2 Global Kp 2.00 0000-0300, March 17; Sunspot Number: 66; Radio Flux: 111
March 17, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands.
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.8 in Cuba was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Cuba with V in Guantanamo at Baracoa and III in Guantanamo and II in Haiti, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands.
EMSC reported it was felt strongly in Santiago de Cuba.
Today's M 5.8 in Cuba is the strongest earthquake within about 150 km of this epicenter in at least 35 years.
The only earthquakes in Cuba of larger magnitude in the historical record
occurred as an M 6.8 on August 7, 1947; an M 6.0 on March 25, 1946 and an M 6.8 on February 3, 1932.
An M 5.9 on October 7, 2018 in Haiti and an M 7.0 and the Dominican Republic occurred on January 12, 2010.
An M 7.2 also occurred on August 14, 2021 in Haiti about 200 km south of Cuba.
At the time of the M 5.9 on October 7, 2018 this summary noted:
"A strong earthquake of M 5.9 hit northern Haiti today. NEIC reported maximum intensity VI at Bombardopolis with V in Milot Nord and IV in Pignon. Lesser shaking of II-III was reported from Acul-du-Nord, Cap-Hatien, Quarter-Morn, and Saint-Marc, Haiti.
This is the strongest earthquake in Haiti since the M 7.0 of January 12, 2010 and an M 5.9 aftershock of January 20, 2010.
The mainshock of January, 2010 has had death tolls assigned up to a quarter million. As
Today's earthquake occurred about 200 km northwest of the 2010 activity and
was not a classical aftershock of it. No other such events of M>=5.9 have
occurred in the region of Haiti in the past 30 years. The area of the rim
of the Caribbean has seen a series of moderate to large earthquakes in the
past week including areas of Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Trench and
the Dominican Republic. This type of regional activation can lead to a larger
quake - in this case probably in the Puerto Rico Trench." (October 7, 2018)
It followed several hours after a major power outage over the entire island of
Cuba. A short seismic quiet occurred throughout the area of the northern
Caribbean over the past two days with no events of M>=3 for a period of 36 hours
from Puerto Rico and through Cuba. This is rare for this region and may be a significant
seismic quiescence before today's event.
Today's event in Cuba occurred within minutes of local solar midnight and
may have been promoted by tidal effects with the upcoming new moon of March 19
and/or geomagnetic stresses which maximize near this hour.
Tropical Cyclone 26S passed over the antipode to this epicenter last week
and may have helped promoted this event. This was reported in this summary at the time as:
"TC 26S 2026-03-07 00:00 UT 18.0S 106.6E 45 kts South of Java
Tropical Cyclone 26S continued south of Java, Indonesia today with winds up to 45 kts. This system is currently moving toward the east and is expected to dissipate in the next two days. Enhanced seismicity in Java and Bali is possible but unlikely while this storm is in the area. The antipode is at 18N 74W in the area of the Caribbean south of Cuba which could see enhanced seismicity at this time." (March 8, 2026)
As TC 26S passed near the epicenter an M 5.0 occurred near today's earthquake
as a foreshock. At the time this summary noted:
"NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.0 in Cuba was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Cuba near Maisi.
This is the strongest earthquake in Cuba since an M 5.5 a month ago on February 8, 2026
and is probably the largest aftershock to date of that event." (March 5, 2026)
This epicenter is at the fifth node from the North Geomagnetic Pole and from
the Kona Storm in Hawaii (72 degrees) and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 17MAR2026 04:34:52 19.7N 74.3W ML=4.1 EMSC CUBA REGION
O: 17MAR2026 04:44:09 19.8N 74.4W mb=4.7 EMSC CUBA REGION
O: 17MAR2026 04:54:16 19.8N 74.3W ML=3.8 EMSC CUBA REGION
O: 17MAR2026 05:29:40 19.8N 74.3W ML=3.3 EMSC CUBA REGION
O: 17MAR2026 05:57:52 19.8N 74.4W ML=3.8 EMSC CUBA REGION
O: 17MAR2026 04:28:24 19.9N 74.4W Mw=5.8 EMSC CUBA REGION
O: 17MAR2026 04:28:25 19.8N 74.4W MB=5.8 NEIC CUBA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.4 in Myanmar-India Border was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Myanmay-India Border in Manipur, India at Yairipok and Manipur.
EMSC reported light shaking in India at Imphal and Silchar, Assam.
This event occurred near local solar noon and may have been promoted by
tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize near this hour.
O: 17MAR2026 06:38:51 24.6N 94.4E MB=4.4 NEIC MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER
O: 17MAR2026 06:38:51 24.7N 94.3E MB=4.4 EMSC MYANMAR-INDIA BORDER REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Washington State was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Washington State in Ashford and Chehalis.
EMSC reported it was felt in Orting, Washington.
O: 17MAR2026 03:50:26 46.7N 122.1W MB=2.5 NEIC WASHINGTON STATE
O: 17MAR2026 03:50:26 46.7N 122.1W ML=2.5 EMSC WASHINGTON
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 in Khania, Hania.
EMSC reported moderate shaking in Crete at Gialos, Stalos, Kissamos, Neo Chorio, Tavronitis, Mournies, Gerani, Agia Marina, Chania, Kalyves, Pithari, Rethymno, Gazi, Antiparos.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Malaysia and
near the fourth node from Kamchatka and Honshu and may have been promoted by
energy from those sources.
O: 16MAR2026 18:19:32 35.1N 23.9E MB=4.3 NEIC CRETE
O: 16MAR2026 18:19:30 35.1N 23.9E ML=3.8 EMSC CRETE, GREECE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 5.4 in the Balleny Islands was not felt in this remote area.
This event occurred within a couple of minutes of local solar midnight
and may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic effects which maximize
near this hour. This event may have been promoted by solar flare 1230 (M2.7) -
the strongest solar flare since . This flare was ending as the earthquake
in the Balleny Islands occurred. Data from SWPC for this flare follow:
Flare # START MAX END CLASS DATE Flux (Jm-2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1230 1200 1215 1300 M2.7 (March 16, 2026) 2.1E-02 *
Balleny Is. M 5.4 13:01 UT
This epicenter is near the fourth node (90 degrees) from the Kona Storm, Hawaii
and at 103 degrees from Honshu, Japan and may have been promoted by energy
from those sources.
O: 16MAR2026 13:01:42 62.4S 165.3E MB=5.4 NEIC BALLENY ISLANDS
O: 16MAR2026 13:01:42 62.4S 165.2E MW=5.4 EMSC BALLENY ISLANDS REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Sumbawa, Indonesia was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Sumbawa, Indonesia in Praya Nusa Tenggara Barat.
This epicenter is near the fourth node (90 degrees) from the Kona Storm, Hawaii
and may have been promoted by energy from that source.
O: 16MAR2026 11:41:58 9.2S 118.1E MB=4.9 NEIC SUMBAWA, INDONESIA
O: 16MAR2026 11:41:57 9.2S 118.1E MB=4.9 EMSC SUMBAWA REGION, INDONESIA
O: 17MAR2026 07:56:25 9.3S 118.2E ML=4.0 EMSC SUMBAWA REGION, INDONESIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Eastern Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Eastern Honshu, Japan in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
EMSC reported gentle shaking in Tokyo, Yokohama, Japan.
This epicenter is near the sixth node (60 degrees) from the Kona Storm, Hawaii
and at the seventh node from the North Geomagnetic Pole may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 16MAR2026 11:37:49 34.8N 139.4E MB=4.6 NEIC HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 16MAR2026 11:37:48 34.8N 139.4E MB=4.6 EMSC NEAR S. COAST OF HONSHU,
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.5 in Southern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Southern California with III in New Cuyama and II in Ventura.
O: 16MAR2026 11:01:54 34.9N 119.6W MB=2.5 NEIC SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 16MAR2026 11:01:53 34.9N 119.6W ML=2.5 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 16MAR2026 11:50:18 34.9N 119.6W ML=2.1 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Central Peru was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Central Peru in Oxapampa, Pasco.
This epicenter is at 102-103 degrees from the North and South Geomagnetic Poles
and may have been promoted by energy from those sources.
O: 16MAR2026 09:19:11 10.3S 74.9W MB=4.6 NEIC CENTRAL PERU
O: 16MAR2026 09:19:12 10.4S 74.9W MB=4.6 EMSC CENTRAL PERU
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 off the coast of Oregon was not felt in the epicentral area.
This was the strongest earthquake in the U.S. or Canada today. It occurred near
the area of volcanism off the coast of Oregon near local solar midnight and
may have been promoted by tidal and/or geomagnetic stresses.
This epicenter is at 103 degrees from Malaysia and may have been promoted
by energy from that source.
O: 16MAR2026 07:44:35 43.8N 127.8W MB=4.3 NEIC OFF THE COAST OF OREGON
O: 16MAR2026 07:44:35 43.8N 127.8W MB=4.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF OREGON
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.6 in Southern Iran was not felt in the epicentral area.
This earthquake occurred near local solar noon but does not appear to have
been triggered by local bombardments in the war in Iran in this sensitive
area near Bandar Abbas and the Strait of Hormuz. moderate earthquakes in
this region are not uncommon even in quieter times.
O: 17MAR2026 06:59:41 27.3N 52.6E MB=4.5 NEIC SOUTHERN IRAN
O: 17MAR2026 06:59:41 27.4N 52.6E MB=4.5 EMSC SOUTHERN IRAN
EMSC reported an earthquake of M 4.3 in Greece was felt with intensity up to IV in the area(s) of Greece in Stavraki, Parakalamos (with loud noise), Penteli, Perama, Neochoropoulo, Ioannina, Velissarios, Anatoli, Igoumenitsa, Gjirokaster, Corfu, and in North Macedonia at Prilep and Struga.
This epicenter is at the fourth node (90 degrees) from Malaysia and the third
node (120 degrees) from the Kona Storm, Hawaii and may have been promoted
by constructive energy interference from those sources.
O: 16MAR2026 17:24:24 39.7N 20.6E MB=4.3 NEIC GREECE
O: 16MAR2026 17:24:24 39.7N 20.6E MB=4.3 EMSC GREECE
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
TROPICAL CYCLONE 27P
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
TC 27P 2026-03-17 00:00 UT 12.3S 156.6E 50 kts South of Solomon Is.
Tropical Cyclone 27P formed south of the Solomon Islands today with winds up to 50 kts. This system is currently moving toward the west and is expected to reach areas south of New Guinea in several days. Some seismic enhancement is likely in New Britain/Ireland and New Guinea and the Solomon Islands as this storm passes to the south. The antipode is at 12N 24W in the area of the western Atlantic which is not seismic at this time.
KONA STORM
---- ------- ---------- -------- ----- ------ ------- ---------------
KONA STORM 2026-03-15 00:00 UT 19.3N 155.6E 135 mph South of Solomon Is.
A powerful Kona Storm continued today in Hawaii. This storm reached wind
speeds up to 135 mph and dropped 44 inches of rain on Kula in the past several days.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1210 0936 0942 0947 C1.1 (March 16, 2026) 6.0E-04
1230 1200 1215 1300 M2.7 (March 16, 2026) 2.1E-02 *
Balleny Is. M 5.4 13:01 UT
1270 1439 1457 1507 C5.9 (March 16, 2026) 6.3E-03
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: unsettled March 17-18 major storms March 19. Solar M-flare chance: 25% X-class: 5% proton storm: 5%
AP Indicies: global: 10, high: 20, mid-latitude: 10, time of max AP: 15:00 UT; Max AP: 6 Global Kp 3.33 1200-1500, March 16; Sunspot Number: 66; Radio Flux: 111
March 16, 2026
Notable earthquakes and events:
It was a quiet day in global seismicity today. There were no significant
earthquakes on March 15-16. This may be related to the lack of triggering
as there have been no major earthquakes in the past month, only minor
solar flare activity today, no significant ocean storms, only moderate
geomagnetic activity among others. Enhancement in any of these areas could
provoke increased seismic activity. The arrival of the new moon on March 19 at 01:23 UT may
also see enhanced seismicity as related to tidal effects as follows:
The new moon will arrive on March 19, 2026 at 01:23 UT. Longitudes which will be at local solar midnight at this time are near 20 West while those at local solar noon are near 160 East. These zones include the central Atlantic and Iceland and western Europe in the west (local solar midnight) and the Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, Japan and portions of eastern Indonesia and the Vanuatu Islands in the east (local solar noon). These areas are the most likely to see tidal triggering in the next week. Such events often occur near local solar midnight and noon. A strong earthquake is considered with moderate possibility (given the generally low level of global seismic activity at this time) with this new moon in the next several days with most likely probability in the northwestern Pacific rim including Kamchatka, Japan and the Kuril Islands.
The strongest earthquake in the world today was an M 5.3 in the area of Aisen, Chile. NEIC reported it may have been felt with intensity II in Valdivia, Los Lagos, Chile.
O: 15MAR2026 08:28:37 45.6S 77.3W ML=5.3 NEIC AISEN, CHILE
O: 15MAR2026 12:54:12 45.3S 77.3W MB=4.6 EMSC OFF COAST OF AISEN, CHILE
O: 15MAR2026 08:28:37 45.6S 77.3W Mw=5.3 EMSC OFF COAST OF AISEN, CHILE
O: 15MAR2026 12:51:33 45.7S 77.3W mb=4.4 EMSC OFF COAST OF AISEN, CHILE
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 2.6 in Central California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Central California in Scotts Valley.
O: 16MAR2026 05:12:14 37.1N 121.2W MD=2.5 EMSC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
O: 16MAR2026 05:12:14 37.1N 121.1W ML=2.5 NEIC CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.3 off the coast of Northern California was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern California in Loleta and Fortuna.
O: 16MAR2026 00:48:55 40.5N 124.2W ML=3.3 NEIC OFF COAST OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 15MAR2026 22:50:30 40.3N 124.6W MD=2.6 EMSC OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
O: 16MAR2026 00:48:54 40.5N 124.3W ML=3.0 EMSC NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 3.5 in Western Texas was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Western Texas in El Paso.
O: 15MAR2026 20:20:12 31.7N 104.4W ML=3.5 NEIC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 15MAR2026 22:01:24 30.9N 103.6W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 16MAR2026 07:05:05 31.6N 104.4W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 16MAR2026 07:25:47 31.6N 104.4W ML=2.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 15MAR2026 20:20:12 31.7N 104.4W ML=3.5 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
O: 16MAR2026 06:46:19 31.7N 104.4W ML=3.0 EMSC WESTERN TEXAS
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.9 in Northern Honshu, Japan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Northern Honshu, Japan in Misawa, Aomori.
O: 15MAR2026 18:56:54 41.4N 142.6E ML=4.9 NEIC OFF NORTHERN HONSHU, JAPAN
O: 15MAR2026 16:32:41 41.0N 143.2E MB=4.8 EMSC OFF EAST COAST OF HONSHU,
O: 15MAR2026 18:56:54 41.4N 142.5E MB=4.9 EMSC HOKKAIDO, JAPAN REGION
NEIC reported an earthquake of M 4.8 in Taiwan was felt with intensity up to II-III in the area(s) of Taiwan in Taipei, Taichung, Yunlin, Tainan, and in Fujian, China.
EMSC reported moderate intensity shaking in Taiwan at Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu, Taichung.
O: 15MAR2026 08:14:55 23.4N 122,1E ML=4.8 NEIC TAIWAN
O: 15MAR2026 08:14:56 24.3N 122.1E MW=4.8 EMSC TAIWAN REGION
SEISMIC EFFECTS OF TROPICAL CYCLONES
No tropical cyclones are currently active.
SOLAR FLARES
Following is the listing of C- M- or X-class flares from SWPC for the date
of March 15, 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)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
990 0037 0047 0054 C1.1 (March 15, 2026) 1.0E-03
1010 0150 0155 0158 C1.3 (March 15, 2026) 8.9E-04
New Zealand M 3.6 01:54 UT
Fiji M 4.7 01:51 UT
1060 0158 0206 0209 C1.7 (March 15, 2026) 1.2E-03
1080 0921 0939 0952 M1.0 (March 15, 2026) 1.0E-02
1100 1500 1509 1513 C1.1 (March 15, 2026) 7.1E-04
Baja California M 2.0 15:01 UT
Colima, M 4.0 15:04 UT
*indicates modified reading from NOAA GOES Graph
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD: active March 16 unsettled March 17-18. Solar M-flare chance: 15% X-class: 1% proton storm: 1%
AP Indicies: global: 17, high: 19, mid-latitude: 14, time of max AP: 11:00 UT; Max AP: 5 Global Kp 4.00 2100-2400, March 15; Sunspot Number: 93; Radio Flux: 109
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