Earthquakes in Ecuador — January 2026
3 earthquakes were recorded in Ecuador during January 2026, an average of 0.1 per day.
3 reached magnitude 4 or above and 1 reached magnitude 5 or above. The average focal depth was 94 km.
The month's largest event in Ecuador was a magnitude 5.5 earthquake near Yantzaza, Ecuador on 08 January 2026 at 05:17 UTC. A magnitude 5.5 earthquake radiates roughly 2,682 tons of TNT equivalent in seismic energy.
That is close to the Ecuador monthly average of 3 events over the period we cover, and level with the 3 recorded the previous month.
33% of events here are shallow (under 70 km), 67% intermediate (70–300 km) and 0% deep-focus (over 300 km). A substantial share of intermediate-depth events points to a subducting slab beneath the region rather than purely crustal faulting.
By band, the catalogue holds 2 in the magnitude 4 range, 1 in the magnitude 5 range.
The month's largest events were M5.5 near Yantzaza, Ecuador on 08 January at 108 km; M4.5 near San Miguel, Ecuador on 03 January at 10 km; M4.2 near Palora, Ecuador on 02 January at 163 km.
That is close to the 3 events Ecuador averages per month across the 19 months on record.
Largest earthquakes in Ecuador, January 2026
3 events listed below, newest first. Times are UTC. Click any column header to re-sort.
| Time (UTC) | Mag | Location | Depth (km) | Country | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | Yantzaza, Ecuador | 107.7 | Ecuador | View details View | |
| 4.5 | San Miguel, Ecuador | 10.0 | Ecuador | View details View | |
| 4.2 | Palora, Ecuador | 162.8 | Ecuador | View details View |
Frequently asked questions
How many earthquakes hit Ecuador in January 2026?
3 earthquakes were recorded in Ecuador during January 2026, of which 3 were magnitude 4 or above.
What was the biggest earthquake in Ecuador in January 2026?
A magnitude 5.5 event near Yantzaza, Ecuador on 08 January 2026.
Other months in Ecuador
Magnitudes for January 2026 reflect the current USGS review status and may have been revised since first publication. See our guides on the magnitude scale, focal depth and why earthquakes cluster.