Near Coquimbo, Chile: Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake at 10.0 km Depth

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DISASTERSituation Report

Near Coquimbo, Chile: Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake at 10.0 km Depth

David Okafor
David Okafor· AI Specialist Author
Updated: May 6, 2026
This situation report details earthquakes in Chile on May 6, including a 4.7 magnitude event near Coquimbo and others nearby, based on official sources.
The context of these events underscores a cluster of activity noted in Chile, with sources emphasizing the need to examine epicenters precisely and magnitudes accurately.[1] Published updates from that day, timestamped around mid-afternoon UTC, compiled information on the latest sismos, positioning these earthquakes within the broader pattern of tremors reported.[1] This summary aligns with the general reporting purpose, introducing the key incidents without delving into isolated details yet.[1]
Further examination of the day's reports reveals a focus on transparency regarding locations west and southeast of major population centers in Chile.[1] The temblor coverage on May 6 encouraged public and official review of data, ensuring that epicenter coordinates and magnitude assessments were readily accessible.[1] Such overviews play a critical role in situating individual quakes within the day's overall seismic profile in Chile.[1]

Near Coquimbo, Chile: Magnitude 4.7 Earthquake at 10.0 km Depth

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck 90 km west-southwest of Coquimbo, Chile on May 6.[2] This earthquake in Chile formed part of documented seismic activity on that date, with reports detailing epicenters, magnitudes, and recent tremors across the region.[1] Additional events, including a magnitude 4.6 quake nearby and a magnitude 4.3 event farther inland, contributed to the day's recorded tremors.[3][4]

Overview of Seismic Events

Seismic activity in Chile on May 6 drew attention through various monitoring reports, focusing on recent temblors, their epicenters, and magnitudes.[1] This overview captures the situation as presented in initial coverage, which highlighted multiple earthquakes occurring in the country on that specific date.[1] The reports served as a call to review the locations and strengths of these events, providing a snapshot of the day's seismic occurrences.[1]

The context of these events underscores a cluster of activity noted in Chile, with sources emphasizing the need to examine epicenters precisely and magnitudes accurately.[1] Published updates from that day, timestamped around mid-afternoon UTC, compiled information on the latest sismos, positioning these earthquakes within the broader pattern of tremors reported.[1] This summary aligns with the general reporting purpose, introducing the key incidents without delving into isolated details yet.[1]

Further examination of the day's reports reveals a focus on transparency regarding locations west and southeast of major population centers in Chile.[1] The temblor coverage on May 6 encouraged public and official review of data, ensuring that epicenter coordinates and magnitude assessments were readily accessible.[1] Such overviews play a critical role in situating individual quakes within the day's overall seismic profile in Chile.[1]

Reports like the one from gdelt provided a foundational layer for understanding the scope, repeatedly stressing "temblor hoy 6 de mayo en Chile" to signal immediate relevance.[1] This phrasing encapsulated the urgency of checking recent seismic data, setting the stage for detailed breakdowns of specific events.[1] By compiling epicenter, magnitude, and last sismos information, the overview facilitated a comprehensive initial assessment.[1]

In essence, the seismic events of May 6 in Chile were framed as warranting close inspection, with sources prioritizing factual dissemination of locations and intensities.[1] This introductory perspective ensures readers grasp the multiplicity of tremors before exploring individual cases.[1]

Details of the Primary Earthquake

The primary earthquake, reported by the USGS, registered a magnitude of 4.7 and was located 90 km west-southwest of Coquimbo, Chile.[2] This event occurred at a depth of 10.0 km, marking it as a shallow seismic occurrence relative to others in the vicinity.[2] The precise designation "M4.7 Earthquake - 90 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile" captures the USGS's direct reporting on this significant tremor.[2]

Detailed analysis of this quake's parameters reveals its epicenter positioned offshore, 90 kilometers in the west-southwest direction from Coquimbo.[2] The shallow depth of 10.0 km positions it among events capable of stronger surface effects, though specifics on impacts remain tied to the reported metrics.[2] USGS documentation consistently lists the magnitude as 4.7, emphasizing its status as the strongest in the immediate Coquimbo-area cluster on May 6.[2]

This earthquake's location, 90 km WSW, places it in a marine area off Chile's coast, with Coquimbo serving as the key reference point.[2] The depth measurement of exactly 10.0 km underscores the event's proximity to the surface, a detail reiterated in the source material.[2] Such precision in reporting aids in modeling potential propagation, though the focus here stays on the confirmed facts.[2]

The USGS entry for this M4.7 event integrates location, magnitude, and depth seamlessly, offering a standalone profile of the quake.[2] West-southwest orientation from Coquimbo highlights directional accuracy, essential for mapping seismic patterns.[2] On May 6, this stood out as the lead event in reports, given its magnitude.[2]

Rephrasing the core details, the earthquake measured 4.7 in magnitude, epicentered 90 km WSW of Coquimbo at 10.0 km deep.[2] This configuration aligns with standard USGS formatting for offshore Chilean tremors.[2] The event's documentation ensures traceability for all claims related to its specifics.[2]

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Additional Earthquakes in the Region

Beyond the primary event, additional earthquakes enriched the regional seismic picture on May 6, with USGS reports detailing a magnitude 4.3 quake 11 km southeast of Camiña, Chile, at a depth of 115.5 km.[3] Another significant tremor, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake 74 km west-southwest of Coquimbo, Chile, also at 10.0 km depth, complemented the activity.[4]

The M4.3 event near Camiña, specified as "11 km SE of Camiña, Chile," represents an inland occurrence distinct from coastal quakes.[3] Its greater depth of 115.5 km contrasts sharply with shallower events, providing context for varied tectonic expressions in Chile.[3] USGS confirmation of magnitude 4.3 ties it directly to the day's reports.[3]

Similarly, the M4.6 earthquake, located 74 km WSW of Coquimbo—closer to shore than the 4.7—mirrors the primary event's depth at 10.0 km.[4] This proximity in location and depth suggests clustered activity west-southwest of Coquimbo.[4] The USGS labeled it "M4.6 Earthquake - 74 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile," affirming its role.[4]

These additional quakes, occurring around the same timeframe, expand the narrative of May 6 seismic events.[3][4] The Camiña-area tremor at 11 km SE introduces a southeastern inland element, while the 74 km WSW event reinforces offshore patterns near Coquimbo.[3][4] Together, they illustrate multifaceted regional activity.[3][4]

Cross-referencing shows the 4.6 magnitude event sharing directional and depth traits with the 4.7, both WSW of Coquimbo at 10.0 km.[2][4] Meanwhile, the 4.3's 115.5 km depth and SE Camiña location diversifies the profile.[3] Such details from USGS sources ground the additional context.[3][4]

Locations and Depths of Events

Geographical and depth specifics paint a complete picture of the May 6 earthquakes, starting with the M4.7 at 90 km WSW of Coquimbo, Chile, depth 10.0 km.[2] The M4.6 event at 74 km WSW of the same city shared the 10.0 km depth, indicating similar shallow origins.[4] Farther, the M4.3 struck 11 km SE of Camiña, Chile, at 115.5 km deep.[3]

Coquimbo emerges as a pivotal reference for two events: 90 km and 74 km WSW, both at uniform 10.0 km depths.[2][4] This clustering underscores localized offshore positioning west-southwest of the coastal city.[2][4] Depths of 10.0 km for both suggest comparable rupture conditions.[2][4]

In contrast, the Camiña event's location 11 km southeast places it inland, with a substantially deeper 115.5 km measurement.[3] This depth variation highlights diverse subduction dynamics potentially at play in Chilean seismicity.[3] USGS precision in "11 km SE of Camiña, Chile" ensures locational clarity.[3]

Summarizing positions: WSW from Coquimbo for the 4.7 and 4.6 quakes at shallow 10.0 km, versus SE from Camiña for the 4.3 at 115.5 km.[2][3][4] These metrics form the backbone of event profiling.[2][3][4] Directional terms like WSW and SE provide navigational context from named locales.[2][3][4]

The shallow Coquimbo-area depths (10.0 km) versus the deeper Camiña event (115.5 km) offer comparative insight grounded in reports.[2][3][4] Locations—90 km, 74 km WSW Coquimbo; 11 km SE Camiña—enable spatial mapping.[2][3][4]

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Summary of Reported Activity

Recapping the key seismic events from May 6 in Chile, reports encompassed a magnitude 4.7 earthquake 90 km WSW of Coquimbo at 10.0 km depth.[1][2] A magnitude 4.6 event 74 km WSW of Coquimbo, also at 10.0 km, and a magnitude 4.3 quake 11 km SE of Camiña at 115.5 km rounded out the documented tremors.[1][3][4]

General coverage via gdelt emphasized reviewing epicenters, magnitudes, and latest sismos for the day.[1] USGS details filled in the specifics: M4.7 (90 km WSW Coquimbo, 10.0 km), M4.6 (74 km WSW Coquimbo, 10.0 km), M4.3 (11 km SE Camiña, 115.5 km).[2][3][4] This synthesis closes the report on verified activity.[1][2][3][4]

The cluster near Coquimbo—two shallow quakes at 10.0 km—contrasts with the deeper Camiña event, all under May 6 scrutiny.[1][2][3][4] Sources collectively affirm these as the highlighted incidents.[1][2][3][4]

What to Watch Next

Ongoing reviews of epicenters, magnitudes, and latest sismos in Chile, as indicated in May 6 reports, suggest continued monitoring for subsequent seismic events.[1] Updates from USGS on similar regional quakes may provide further context to these tremors.[2][3][4]

Further Reading

Situation report

What this report is designed to answer

This format is meant for fast situational awareness. It pulls together the latest event context, why the development matters right now, and what to watch next.

Primary focus

Chile

Best next step

Read the full analysis below for context, sources, and what to watch next.

Editorial process: This article was synthesized from the original sources cited above using The World Now's AI editorial system, with byline accountability from our editorial team. We grade every story for source grounding, factual coherence, and on-topic match before publication. Read more about our editorial standards and contributors. Spot something inaccurate? Let us know.

Last updated: May 6, 2026

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