Light 4.8 Earthquake Near Guánica, Puerto Rico
A light magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck 5 km SW of Guánica, Puerto Rico on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 01:19:35 PM UTC. This shallow crustal event (7.0 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 239 tons of TNT. Here is the verified PR telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
(5 km SW of)Seismic Telemetry Specifications
4.8ML
Light Seismic Class
7.0km
Crustal Layer
17.939° N, 66.945° W
GPS Coordinates
239 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
PR
USGS Real-time Feed
Epicenter Location & Tectonic Fault Map
Is This Earthquake Dangerous?
A magnitude 4.8 event is classified as a light earthquake. Noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling doors/windows. Generally causes none to slight non-structural damage in older buildings.
Estimated Shaking Across Nearby Communities
Difficult to stand. Damage negligible in good buildings; slight to moderate in ordinary structures.
Felt by many indoors. Dishes, windows rattle; walls make creaking sound.
Felt only by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors.
Did You Feel This Earthquake?
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What Does Magnitude 4.8 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?
Puerto Rico's seismicity is fundamentally governed by its tectonic setting: Located on the Puerto Rico-Virgin Islands microplate between the North American Plate to the north (Puerto Rico Trench) and Caribbean Plate to the south (Muertos Trough). Major regional fault structures include Puerto Rico Trench, Muertos Trough, Mona Passage Faults, Great Northern Puerto Rico Fault Zone.
Originating at a depth of 7.0 km (Earth's Crust (0–70 km)), this rupture occurred occurred within the brittle upper crust. shallow earthquakes produce the highest peak ground acceleration and the sharpest surface shaking.
Aftershock Outlook & Secondary Tremors
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 4.8. 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 Puerto Rico 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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