Magnitude 5.5 Earthquake Near Macara Felt Across Southern Ecuador

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook southern Ecuador early Saturday, June 13, 2026.

The earthquake occurred at 01:35 in the canton of Macara, near Ecuador's southern border, according to the technical report from the Instituto Geofisico de la Escuela Politecnica Nacional.

Where It Hit

The final report located the epicenter 20.49 kilometers from Macara, in Loja province, near the border with Peru.

The quake had a depth of 46 kilometers.

Residents in Loja, Azuay and El Oro reported feeling the movement. People in Cuenca and Machala also expressed concern on social media.

Damage Report

By the close of the source report, the Secretaria Nacional de Gestion de Riesgos had not reported injuries or significant structural damage in local buildings.

The Instituto Geofisico had also not reported new movements or aftershocks related to the Loja earthquake.

What This Means for Expats

For residents in southern Ecuador, this is a reminder to keep earthquake basics ready even when an event ends without major damage.

Know the safest place in your home, keep shoes and a flashlight near your bed, and make sure you know how to shut off gas or electricity if needed.

If you live in Loja, Vilcabamba, Cuenca, Machala or nearby rural areas, a quake like this is also a good prompt to check older masonry, retaining walls and water tanks after shaking, even when no broad emergency is declared.