Latest earthquakes near Santa Elena, Ecuador today
Complete overview of the latest earthquakes near Santa Elena, Ecuador, updated every minute. Did you feel an earthquake today in Santa Elena? If an earthquake is happening right now near Santa Elena (also known as Provincia de Santa Elena), it will show up within minutes.
Recent Santa Elena Earthquake News
These are the latest articles published related to earthquakes occurring near Santa Elena. Check our Earthquake News section for a complete overview of articles written on earthquakes near Santa Elena and elsewhere.
May 5, 2026 10:58AM
Significant M5.1 Earthquake struck on Tuesday Morning in the South Pacific Ocean near Tumbes (Peru).
Santa Elena Earthquake Statistics
Average
A total of 677 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of Santa Elena, Ecuador in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 67 earthquakes per year, or 5 per month. On average an earthquake will hit near Santa Elena roughly every 5 days.
A relatively large number of earthquakes occurred near Santa Elena in 2016. A total of 120 earthquakes (mag 4+) were detected within 300 km of Santa Elena that year. The strongest had a 6 magnitude.
Magnitude Distribution
The table below visualizes the distribution of all earthquakes that occurred within 300km of Santa Elena in the past 10 years. No earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or above have occurred near Santa Elena during this time. Usually, higher magnitudes are less common than lower magnitudes. Small earthquakes with a magnitude below 4 on the Richter scale have been omitted from this overview.
| Magnitude | Earthquakes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Mag. 4 | 636 | 93.94% |
| Mag. 5 | 36 | 5.32% |
| Mag. 6 | 5 | 0.74% |
| Mag. 7 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 8 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 9 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
Strongest earthquakes near Santa Elena
The strongest recent earthquake of the past 10 years near Santa Elena occurred on Mar 18, 2023 12:12 local time (America/Guayaquil timezone). It had a magnitude of 6.8 and struck 138 kilometers (86 mi) east-southeast of Salinas, at a depth of 68 km. Discover more strong earthquakes near Santa Elena in the list below.
A longer time ago, a MAG-7.8 earthquake struck on May 13, 1942 21:13, 267 kilometers (166 mi) east-southeast of Salinas. It is the strongest earthquake near Santa Elena in the past 126 years (Our data goes back to January 1st, 1900).
In the table below you will find the strongest earthquakes that occurred near Santa Elena, Ecuador in the past 10 years. You can use the tabs to find the heaviest historic earthquakes since the year 1900 or within a specific year or distance from Santa Elena.
Earthquakes by city in Santa Elena
Click the links below for earthquake reports for major places in Santa Elena, Ecuador.
Use this regional Santa Elena earthquake report for earthquakes that were felt in smaller towns and cities in the region, including Santa Elena.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are commonly asked in relation to earthquakes occurring near Santa Elena.
When was the last earthquake in Santa Elena, Ecuador?
A 4.6 magnitude earthquake hit near Santa Elena on the afternoon of May 6, 2026 at 17:06 local time (America/Guayaquil). The center of this earthquake was located 197km east of Salinas at a depth of 97km under land. Check the list on our website for any earthquakes occurring near Santa Elena, Ecuador in the past hours.
What was the strongest earthquake near Santa Elena, Ecuador?
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit near Santa Elena on the evening of May 13, 1942 at 21:13 local time (America/Guayaquil). The center of this earthquake was located 267km north-northeast of Salinas at a depth of 20km under land. This is the strongest earthquake that occurred near Santa Elena since the year 1900.
How often do earthquakes occur near Santa Elena, Ecuador?
In the past 10 years, 677 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300 kilometer range from Santa Elena. This averages to 68 earthquakes yearly, or one earthquake every 5 days.
