Minor 3.9 Earthquake Near La Romana, Dominican Republic
A minor magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck 10 km NW of La Romana, Dominican Republic on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 05:36:19 PM UTC. This intermediate focal depth (104.5 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 11 tons of TNT. Here is the verified US telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(10 km NW of)Seismic Telemetry Specifications
3.9ML
Minor Seismic Class
104.5km
Upper Mantle
18.495° N, 69.040° W
GPS Coordinates
11 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
US
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 3.9 event is classified as a minor earthquake. Often felt by people indoors, especially on upper floors. Hanging objects may swing slightly; structural damage is extremely rare.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
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Your immediate response verifies shaking boundaries and helps ground-truth instrumental models.
What Does Magnitude 3.9 Mean?
Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Logarithmic Energy Multiplier
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
Why Did This Earthquake Happen?
Dominican Republic's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Northern boundary of Caribbean Plate colliding obliquely with North American Plate across Hispaniola. Major regional fault structures include Septentrional Fault Zone, Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault, Hispaniola Trench.
Originating at a depth of 104.5 km (Upper Mantle / Wadati-Benioff Zone (70–300 km)), this rupture occurred originated within the descending oceanic plate inside the upper mantle. shaking radiates over a wider geographic area with attenuated high frequencies.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 3.9. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Dominican Republic are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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Earthquake Safety Action Plan
Complete Safety Guide →- •Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Take cover beneath a sturdy table or desk.
- •Stay indoors away from exterior glass windows and heavy unanchored fixtures.
- •If outdoors, move into an open area away from power lines and building facades.
- •Inspect utilities for damaged gas lines, water leaks, or electrical hazards.
- •Expect Aftershocks: Secondary tremors frequently strike after significant events.
- •Avoid damaged structures and listen to official emergency broadcasts.
- •Maintain a 72-hour emergency go-bag with water, food, and first aid.
- •Anchor heavy furniture, water heaters, and appliances to structural studs.
- •Establish a family emergency communication protocol and meeting point.
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