Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits near Chirilagua, El Salvador

A shallow M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 00:30 UTC on August 13, 2026, about 69 km (43 miles) south-southwest of Chirilagua, El Salvador. The quake’s hypocenter was located at a depth of 56.8 km (35.3 miles), based on information from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The epicenter, positioned at 12.6°N, 88.3°W, places the event near the Pacific coast of El Salvador, within reach of both coastal and inland communities. This area is known for its seismic activity along the convergent boundary between the Cocos and Caribbean plates.

Given the earthquake’s location near populated areas in El Salvador, vital infrastructure such as regional highways, power facilities, and potentially minor ports or airfields could exist within the broader vicinity.

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 reached IV, with three felt reports submitted. The significance index is 466 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

El Salvador sits within the Central American subduction zone, where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the Caribbean Plate, making the region prone to moderate and strong seismic events.

This information was last updated at 00:48 UTC on August 13, 2026.