Moderate M5.9 earthquake hits Chile–Argentina border region
A moderate earthquake registered by the USGS as M5.9 hit the Chile–Argentina border region at 04:10 UTC on September 4, 2025. The agency reported a depth of 176 km (109 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M5.9 earthquake in Salta, Argentina on September 4, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 91 km (57 miles) WSW of San Antonio de los Cobres and 186 km (116 miles) WNW of Salta, Argentina.
1 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking and 1 269 000 weak.
The USGS issued a Green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.
Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are adobe block and rubble/field stone masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M5.9 earthquake Salta, Argentina – USGS – September 4, 2025
2 M5.9 earthquake Salta, Argentina – EMSC – September 4, 2025
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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