Moderate Earthquake Shakes Northwest Louisiana

The 4.9 magnitude quake was the second-largest in the state's history.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 struck northwest Louisiana on the morning of March 5, 2026, jolting residents in the town of Coushatta. The quake, which was initially reported as 4.4 magnitude but later upgraded, was the second-largest on record in the state and the largest in the last two decades.

Why it matters

While earthquakes of this size are relatively uncommon in Louisiana, they can still cause minor damage and disrupt daily life for residents. The March 5 quake highlights the seismic activity in the region and the need for preparedness, even in areas not typically associated with significant earthquake risk.

The details

The earthquake's epicenter was just north of Coushatta, a town of less than 2,000 people, and occurred at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers. Earthquakes in the 2.5 to 5.4 magnitude range are often felt but typically only cause minor damage. The March 5 quake was the second-largest on record in Louisiana, behind a 5.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Grand Isle in 2006.

  • The earthquake occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • Last week, Coushatta experienced a smaller 2.6 magnitude earthquake.

The players

U.S. Geological Survey

The federal agency that monitors and reports on seismic activity in the United States.

Thomas Pressly

A Louisiana state senator who lives in Shreveport and was woken up by the earthquake.

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What they’re saying

“A 4.4 earthquake isn't insignificant.”

— Thomas Pressly, State Senator (USA Today)

The takeaway

While earthquakes of this magnitude are uncommon in Louisiana, the March 5 quake serves as a reminder that the state is not immune to seismic activity. The event highlights the need for residents and local authorities to be prepared for the possibility of future earthquakes, even in areas not typically associated with significant seismic risk.