Moderate M 5.1 Earthquake Recorded North of Carrizales, Puerto Rico
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck 156 km north of Carrizales, Puerto Rico, on February 18, 2026, at an intermediate depth of 31.5 km.
What Happened
A moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 mb occurred on February 18, 2026, at 14:18:04 UTC (10:18 AM local time). The seismic event was centered approximately 156 km north of Carrizales, Puerto Rico, at a depth of 31.5 km.
Location Details
The earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 19.8834°N and 66.57°W. The recorded depth of 31.5 km is classified as an intermediate depth (falling within the 20-70 km range), which can influence how seismic energy is distributed across the region.
Impact Assessment
According to the USGS, there have been 17 confirmed felt reports from the area. The event was flagged with a tsunami value of 1, indicating that a tsunami advisory, watch, or information statement was issued following the tremor. No specific alert level color (PAGER) was assigned to this event in the source data, and there are no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
What You Should Know
This event is classified as a “moderate earthquake.” While earthquakes of this magnitude are strong enough to be felt and can cause damage to poorly constructed buildings, they typically result in light to no damage for modern, well-built structures. Residents in the Caribbean region should remain aware of the possibility of aftershocks, which are common following an event of this size.
Source
Information provided by the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program.
Source: USGS Official Notice