Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits near Cañete, Chile

A shallow M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 02:34 UTC on May 10, 2026, about 27 km (17 miles) east-northeast of Cañete, Chile. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 34.3 km (21.3 miles), as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The location of the earthquake places it in the Biobío region of central Chile, at coordinates 37.7°S, 73.1°W. The area is characterized by moderate population density with several towns and rural communities in proximity to the epicenter.

Given the area’s infrastructure, critical systems such as transportation corridors, regional highways, and energy transmission lines may be situated near the affected region. Ports and airports serving the Biobío region are also in the broader area, though the quake was inland.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity is around V, and the significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), reflecting magnitude and expected impact.

This section of Chile lies along the South American margin, a well-known convergent plate boundary where the Nazca Plate subducts beneath the South American Plate. This tectonic setting regularly produces moderate to strong seismic events in the region.

This information was last updated at 02:59 UTC on May 10, 2026.