Strong M6.2 earthquake hits Coquimbo Region, Chile
A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 struck the Coquimbo Region, Chile, at 13:34 UTC (10:34 local time) on February 12, 2026. The agency is reporting a depth of 37 km (22.9 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
Epicenter of M6.2 earthquake in Coquimbo Region, Chile on February 12, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
The epicenter was located 32 km (20 miles) SW of Ovalle (population 77 100) and 95 km (59 miles) S of Coquimbo (population 161 000), Coquimbo Region, Chile.
Based on USGS PAGER data, 1 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 132 000 moderate, 692 000 light, and 113 000 weak.
There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.
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 or field stone masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and liquefaction that might have contributed to losses.
Liquefaction triggered by this earthquake is considered unlikely. No significant landsliding is expected.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M6.2 earthquake Coquimbo Region, Chile – USGS – February 12, 2026
2 M6.2 earthquake Coquimbo Region, Chile – EMSC – February 12, 2026
Teo Blašković founded The Watchers in 2011 and edited it until 2026, covering seismic and volcanic activity, extreme weather, space weather and near-Earth objects. Articles on this page are his archive.
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