4.5 magnitude earthquake reported south of Potosí

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake was registered in Sud Lípez, Potosí, Bolivia, according to the San Calixto Observatory. The seismic event occurred at 3:37 PM local time on Tuesday, with its epicenter located at a considerable depth of 211 kilometers.

Officials from the San Calixto Observatory noted that earthquakes with depths exceeding 100 kilometers, classified as subduction zone events, typically have a low probability of being felt on the surface or causing any significant damage. This characteristic applies to the recent tremor in Potosí.

This event follows a series of three seismic movements recorded in the Sud Lípez and Enrique Baldivieso provinces of Potosí within a 48-hour period in late July. Those tremors ranged in magnitude from 3.2 to 3.6 and occurred at depths between 174.6 and 212.5 kilometers.

The Observatory has expressed concern over the increasing frequency of earthquakes in Bolivia, particularly in the Potosí department. From January to June of 2026, Potosí accounted for 872 out of the 1,219 seismic events recorded nationwide, representing approximately 71.53 percent of the total.

“

Due to the depth greater than 100 km (subduction earthquake) it is unlikely to be felt and cause surface damage.