The night of June 23, 2025 was marked by an earthquake of considerable magnitude The quake was felt across large areas of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The quake, recorded around 22:45 p.m. local time, surprised the population as many were celebrating the popular San Juan Night celebration, causing some concern, especially in coastal areas near the epicenter.
According to reports from different official bodies, the phenomenon reached a magnitude between 5,4 and 5,7, with the epicenter located in the sea, off the east-northeast coast of Punta Cana. The data published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) y the Puerto Rico Seismic Network they point to a depth between 1 and 10 kilometers, which explains why the movement was perfectly perceptible on the surface both in the Dominican Republic and in municipalities in western Puerto Rico, such as Mayagüez, Moca and Añasco.
Authorities, both Puerto Rican and Dominican, confirmed that there was no risk of a tsunami. and they assured that There has been no significant material damage, injuries or evacuations. Only registered occasional power outages In some sectors, incidents were quickly resolved by municipal services.
Epicenter off Punta Cana and perception in several Caribbean provinces
Seismic instruments detected that the The epicenter was located approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Punta Cana., in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The depth was unusual, which contributed to the tremor being felt more intensely on the surface. The coastal towns of the Dominican Republic, as well as the west and interior of Puerto Rico, clearly perceived the tremor, coinciding with testimonies from residents who shared videos and messages on social media recounting their experience.
Various agencies, such as the National Seismology Center of the Dominican Republic and the USGS, offered slightly different figures regarding the magnitude, ranging from 5,4 to 5,7, which is common due to technical differences in measurement systems.
The impact of the earthquake also extended to other areas of the Caribbean, where earthquakes are frequent due to the presence of several seismic faults. However, Most earthquakes in the region do not usually cause serious damage., although they serve as a reminder of the need to be prepared for possible emergencies.
No tsunami warning and safety recommendations
The experts clarified that The conditions did not meet the requirements to trigger tsunami warnings., so the population was able to remain calm and continue with their activities after the initial brief period of uncertainty. Authorities recalled basic self-protection tips In the event of an earthquake, such as taking shelter under sturdy structures, staying away from objects that could fall, or staying informed through official channels.
- Take cover under a table or solid piece of furniture during the movement.
- Do not run or use elevators until the shaking ends.
- Avoid being near windows, poles or trees during the event.
- Check the safety of the homes and turn off the electricity or gas supply if necessary.
After the main tremor, Specialists indicated a moderate probability of aftershocks occurring in the following days, which could exceed 3 degrees of magnitude but, according to estimates, with a low risk of causing new incidents.
The seismic context of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic
The Caribbean area is known for its high seismic activity due to the interaction between the Caribbean plate and the North American plateThe convergence of these tectonic formations causes frequent earthquakes, although most tend to be low or moderate in magnitude. Both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic have a history of recent earthquakes and have response and prevention mechanisms for these phenomena.
In this context, authorities from both countries emphasize the importance of maintaining emergency plans and stockpiling supplies, as well as consulting reliable sources to stay up-to-date on potential earthquakes that could affect the region.
The recent earthquake felt between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, although it did not leave serious material consequences or victims, reflects the constant exposure of the region to natural phenomena of this type and the importance of prevention and information in the face of a seismic reality that is part of everyday life in the Caribbean.