5.7 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Dominican Republic, Felt in Puerto Rico

Tone & Political Bias: Center

Why: The report sticks to factual earthquake data, statements from officials, and does not include opinion or politicized framing.

What Happened

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck late Monday in the waters northeast of the Dominican Republic, causing minor damage and brief power outages in parts of Puerto Rico, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and local officials.

Key Details

Time and Location: The quake occurred approximately 48 miles (77 kilometers) north-northeast of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Depth: The seismic event originated about 42 miles (68 kilometers) below the surface.
Impact On Puerto Rico: Officials reported that several neighborhoods in Utuado, a town in Puerto Rico’s northwest region, experienced temporary power outages.
Damage Reported: While no major injuries or structural damage have been confirmed, authorities said there was minor damage in some affected areas.
Aftershocks: At least 12 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial tremor, according to the USGS.

Regional Seismic Activity

Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic sit on a highly active seismic zone where the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates meet. Earthquakes in this region are not uncommon and are closely monitored by geological agencies.

Monitoring And Response

USGS Response:The U.S. Geological Survey has been tracking the aftershocks and continues to analyze seismic activity in the area.
Local Authorities:Emergency services in both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico assessed the situation and confirmed that no evacuations were required.
Power Restoration:Power outages in Utuado were localized and temporary, with utility companies working to restore full service within hours.

Context

The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have experienced significant seismic events in recent years. While this 5.7 magnitude quake was moderate, its depth helped reduce the severity of damage on the surface.

The region’s history of tremors, along with its geological placement, makes preparedness and rapid response critical. Authorities routinely issue alerts and guidelines to residents living in high-risk zones.

What’s Next

Seismologists will continue to monitor for further aftershocks, which are common following quakes of this magnitude. Residents in both countries are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety protocols when tremors occur. For now, no tsunami warning has been issued, and infrastructure remains largely unaffected.