Minor M 3.5 Earthquake Strikes Near Assaria, Kansas
A minor 3.5 magnitude earthquake occurred 5 kilometers east of Assaria, Kansas, on February 19, 2026. The shallow quake was reported felt by a small number of residents.
What Happened
A minor earthquake with a magnitude of 3.5 (mb_lg) occurred near Assaria, Kansas, on February 19, 2026, at 20:14:52 UTC. The seismic event was recorded at a shallow depth of 9.1 kilometers (approximately 5.6 miles).
Location Details
The epicenter was located at coordinates 38.6853°N and 97.5436°W, approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of Assaria. Because the earthquake occurred at a depth of less than 20 kilometers, it is classified as a shallow earthquake. Shallow quakes are often felt more strongly at the surface than deeper events of the same magnitude.
Impact Assessment
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there have been 2 confirmed felt reports from the public at the time of this update. The Community Internet Intensity Map (CDI) indicates a maximum reported intensity of 3.8. There is no tsunami advisory, watch, or warning in effect for this inland event. No specific alert level color was assigned to this routine seismic activity.
What You Should Know
Earthquakes with magnitudes between 2.5 and 3.9 are considered minor. While they are often felt by people near the epicenter, they rarely cause significant structural damage. Residents in the area may experience minor aftershocks, which are common following seismic events. In the event of shaking, safety officials recommend that you “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.”
Source
Information for this report was provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice