Earthquakes in Quito
Quito is one of the world's highest capital cities at 2,850 meters elevation, built in a narrow Andean valley surrounded by active volcanoes and crossed by active faults. Ecuador experiences frequent large earthquakes from the Nazca-South American subduction zone and has suffered devastating inland fault earthquakes.
Why Does Quito Face Earthquake Risk?
Quito sits above the Quito Fault System, a series of active reverse faults running directly beneath the city. The 1987 Reventador earthquake (M7.2) damaged Quito 80 km away. Ecuador's Pacific coast is also subject to megathrust earthquakes; the 1906 Ecuador-Colombia earthquake was estimated at M8.8.
Active Fault Systems
- Quito Fault System
- Chingual Fault
- Nazca-South American Subduction Zone
Safety Advice
Ecuador's IG-EPN monitors seismicity and volcanic activity. Quito's complex topography creates varying hazard levels across neighborhoods. The city's northern residential areas sit closer to the active Quito fault traces.
Historical Earthquake Context
Ecuador has experienced several devastating historical earthquakes including the 1949 Ambato earthquake (M6.8, 6,000 deaths), the 1987 Reventador-Napo earthquake (M7.2, 1,000 deaths), and the 2016 Muisne earthquake (M7.8, 676 deaths) on the Pacific coast.
Fault Maps & Tectonic Setting
Tectonic and seismic hazard maps from Wikimedia Commons, USGS, and NASA — open licenses (CC / Public Domain)
Maps sourced from Wikimedia Commons, USGS, and NASA under open licenses. Attribution required where specified. Click any map to enlarge.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there active volcanoes near Quito that cause earthquakes?
Yes. Pichincha volcano sits immediately west of Quito and Cotopaxi lies 50 km to the south. Volcanic earthquakes occur frequently around these and other Andean volcanoes near the city, though the largest threat comes from tectonic faults rather than volcanic activity.
Why is Quito at earthquake risk?
Quito sits at 2,850 meters elevation in an Andean valley directly above the Quito Fault System, a north-south trending reverse fault capable of generating a M7.0+ earthquake at very close range. The city also faces hazard from the Nazca subduction zone off Ecuador's coast, with tsunamis potentially reaching coastal areas within 20 minutes.
How seismically active is Quito?
Quito and the surrounding Andes experience regular seismicity from both the Quito Fault System and deeper subduction-zone earthquakes. Felt earthquakes occur several times per year. The 1987 Napo earthquake (M7.2) caused landslides that ruptured the Trans-Ecuadorian oil pipeline and is one of the most economically damaging in Ecuador's history.
What should I do during an earthquake in Quito?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy table or against an interior wall. Quito's height and buildings of mixed construction make earthquake response critical. After shaking, exit buildings carefully, check for gas leaks, and follow Ecuador's SNGRE (gestionderiesgos.gob.ec) emergency guidance.
Is Quito prepared for a major earthquake?
Quito's IG-EPN monitors seismicity and the city has invested in emergency preparedness after the 2016 Muisne earthquake. However, many residential buildings in Quito's hillside neighborhoods are of informal construction that may not meet seismic standards. Urban earthquake drills are held periodically across Ecuador.
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