Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Strikes Southwest of Puerto Rico in Eastern Caribbean Sea, Offshore Epicenter Recorded
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO — A magnitude 5.0 earthquake has been recorded southwest of Puerto Rico in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, according to regional seismic monitoring data. The offshore event was clearly detected across multiple seismic networks, with the epicenter located south of the island’s western coastline.
The quake’s epicenter appears positioned in waters south of Mayagüez and Ponce, within a seismically active region that has experienced frequent activity in recent years.
Offshore Epicenter South of Puerto Rico
Mapping data shows the primary seismic activity concentrated southwest of Puerto Rico, with concentric rings marking the epicenter offshore in the Caribbean waters. The event occurred in an area known for tectonic interaction between the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate.
Nearby communities including Mayagüez, Ponce, and other southern coastal municipalities may have felt shaking depending on depth and local conditions. Additional seismic markers on the map indicate ongoing regional activity around Puerto Rico and the broader eastern Caribbean basin.
Clusters of seismic points are also visible farther east toward the U.S. Virgin Islands, including areas near Charlotte Amalie, highlighting the broader seismic landscape of the region.
Regional Seismic Activity Continues
The Eastern Caribbean is no stranger to earthquakes. The region regularly records offshore and nearshore seismic events due to its complex plate boundaries. The presence of multiple recorded events on the map suggests ongoing background activity across the basin.
While a 5.0 magnitude earthquake is considered moderate, offshore events can still be widely felt, particularly in coastal communities. Shaking intensity often depends on the quake’s depth and proximity to populated areas.
As of the initial report, the earthquake was described as an offshore event, and no immediate reports of significant damage have been confirmed.
What Residents Should Know
Residents in Puerto Rico, particularly along the southern and western coasts, should remain aware of aftershocks that sometimes follow moderate offshore events. It is common for smaller tremors to occur in the hours or days after the initial quake.
Communities in San Juan, Mayagüez, Ponce, and surrounding municipalities may have experienced light to moderate shaking depending on structural conditions and distance from the epicenter.
Officials typically advise residents to review earthquake safety protocols, including:
- Securing heavy furniture
- Identifying safe indoor shelter locations
- Monitoring official updates from emergency management agencies
At this time, the event has been characterized as a recorded offshore quake southwest of Puerto Rico.
As seismic activity continues to be monitored across the Eastern Caribbean, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels. For ongoing national updates on significant events impacting communities, travel, and public gatherings, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.