Moderate M5.5 earthquake strikes Piñas, Ecuador (Updated)
An earthquake measuring M5.5 was recorded at 00:05 UTC on October 22, 2025, about 16 km (10 miles) west-northwest of Piñas, Ecuador. The quake’s hypocenter was determined to be at a depth of 73.6 km (45.7 miles), according to USGS data.
The event was situated inland in the El Oro province of southern Ecuador, with coordinates at 3.6°S, 79.8°W. Piñas is a regional hub surrounded by numerous small towns, and the broader area hosts a substantial population in the Andean foothills.
Given the region’s demographic and economic profile, the area is traversed by key transport corridors, such as highways linking local agricultural and mining centers, as well as small airfields and critical infrastructure serving the province.
USGS indicated there is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its inland location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The earthquake reached a maximum estimated intensity of V (5), and 24 felt reports were submitted. The significance index is 476 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Ecuador is located along the tectonically active boundary between the South American and Nazca Plates, a region characterized by frequent seismic activity due to subduction processes.
This information was last updated at 04:08 UTC on October 22, 2025.