M4.2 Earthquake 2 km SW of Río Lajas, Puerto Rico — April 13, 2026
2026-04-13 02:06:37 UTC (6 days ago)
Felt by 81 people across nearby locations.
On April 13, 2026 at 02:06 UTC, a magnitude 4.2 intermediate depth earthquake struck 2 km SW of Río Lajas, Puerto Rico, at a depth of 115.0 km and coordinates 18.3803°, -66.2871°. The earthquake was reported felt by 81 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 2.9 (weak). The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 23 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 294, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Ingenio (population 2,793).
The epicenter is located in Puerto Rico, a region characterized by the Puerto Rico Trench oblique subduction zone and the Muertos Trough, with complex Caribbean–North American plate interactions. The nearest mapped fault system is the Puerto Rico Trench. View all earthquakes in Puerto Rico.
Learn more: Magnitude scale · Aftershock sequences
Nearest Populated Places
Earthquake Details
-66.2871°E
Technical Information
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Common Questions
How strong was the magnitude 4.2 earthquake near Río Lajas, Puerto Rico?
The magnitude 4.2 earthquake that struck 2 km SW of Río Lajas, Puerto Rico on April 13, 2026 at 02:06 UTC had a depth of 115.0 km. It was felt by 81 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 2.9 (weak). For context, this was a light earthquake commonly felt near the epicenter.
Where did the earthquake occur?
The earthquake epicenter was located at 18.3803°, -66.2871°, which is 2 km SW of Río Lajas, Puerto Rico. The nearest populated place is Ingenio (population 2,793). View all earthquakes in Puerto Rico.
Were there aftershocks?
Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 4.2 earthquakes can continue for several days and gradually diminish over time.
Has Puerto Rico had earthquakes this big before?
The largest recorded earthquake in Puerto Rico was the M7.3 offshore earthquake of October 11, 1918. Today's magnitude 4.2 event is significantly smaller than that historical record.
What should I do after an earthquake?
If you were in the affected area: check yourself and others for injuries, inspect your home for damage, and be prepared for aftershocks. For detailed guidance, see our earthquake safety guide and emergency planning resources.