Magnitude 5.7 earthquake causes minor damage between Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

On Monday night, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred in the Mona Passage, the body of water that separates the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The United States Geological Survey reported that the quake struck at 10:45 p.m. local time and was recorded at a depth of approximately 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). The epicenter was located about 44 miles (71 kilometers) from Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and around 78 miles (125 kilometers) from Aguadilla in Puerto Rico. People across the region felt the tremors of the earthquake, leading to anxiety and immediate reporting of the shaking on social media platforms. Notably, shaking was felt as far away as Santo Domingo and San Juan, with numerous individuals posting their experiences online, indicating a widespread impact from the seismic event. After the earthquake, officials reported some neighborhoods in the northwest town of Utuado, Puerto Rico, experienced power outages, highlighting the tremor's effects. Despite the minor damages, which were relatively subdued, reports from the USGS indicated a low likelihood of serious injuries or significant destruction due to the earthquake. This region is recognized for its seismic activity due to its position near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Earthquakes of this nature are not uncommon; however, the intensity and depth of this particular quake raised concerns about potential aftershocks. Indeed, shortly after the primary shock, at least a dozen aftershocks were recorded. Overall, the events on Monday drew attention to the seismic vulnerabilities faced by both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Historical patterns of seismic activity in this region underscore the necessity for preparedness in case of more damaging earthquakes in the future. The absence of any tsunami warnings from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center following the quake offered some assurance. Nevertheless, the quake reinforced the importance of monitoring potential seismic threats and maintaining readiness among local communities and officials. In summary, even though the earthquake struck relatively deep below the surface and resulting damages were minor, its occurrence serves as a reminder of the geological dynamics in the Caribbean, the need for infrastructural resiliency, and emergency response mechanisms.