5.7

M5.7 Earthquake 72 km SW of Tamarindo, Costa RicaApril 15, 2026

2026-04-15 06:56:02 UTC (4 days ago)

Felt by 35 people across nearby locations. Maximum shaking intensity MMI 4.1 (moderate).

green Alertno significant casualties or damage expected

On April 15, 2026 at 06:56 UTC, a magnitude 5.7 shallow crustal earthquake struck 72 km SW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, at a depth of 20.0 km and coordinates 9.9151°, -86.3803°. The earthquake was reported felt by 35 peopleacross nearby locations, with a maximum shaking intensity of Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) 4.1 (moderate). The USGS PAGER system issued a green alert level for this event, indicating no significant casualties or damage expected. This earthquake was detected by 85 seismic stations with good location accuracy and was assigned a USGS significance rating of 513, placing it among routine seismic activity. The nearest populated place is Tamarindo (population 6,375).

Nearest Populated Places

Tamarindopop. 6,375
MMI 3.9 (light)
Cuajiniquilpop. 1,789
MMI 3.7 (light)
Samarapop. 3,512
MMI 3.6 (light)
Nacascolopop. 2,249
MMI 3.6 (light)
Veintisiete de Abrilpop. 7,048
MMI 3.5 (light)
Liberiapop. 53,382
MMI 3.5 (light)
Map showing earthquake epicenter at 9.92°, -86.38°

Earthquake Details

Magnitude
5.7 mww
Depth
20.0 km
shallow crustal
Location
9.9151°N
-86.3803°E
Felt Reports
35
DYFI responses
Intensity (MMI)
4.1
moderate
Community Intensity
3.8
CDI from reports

Technical Information

Event ID
us6000sq5z
Event Type
earthquake
Status
✓ Reviewed
Significance
513
Stations Used
85
Azimuthal Gap
93.0°
Min Station Distance
1.403°
RMS Residual
1.33 sec
Last Updated
2026-04-16 15:49:06 UTC

Common Questions

How strong was the magnitude 5.7 earthquake near Tamarindo, Costa Rica?

The magnitude 5.7 earthquake that struck 72 km SW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica on April 15, 2026 at 06:56 UTC had a depth of 20.0 km. It was felt by 35 people with maximum shaking intensity of MMI 4.1 (moderate). For context, this was a moderate earthquake that could be widely felt.

Where did the earthquake occur?

The earthquake epicenter was located at 9.9151°, -86.3803°, which is 72 km SW of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. The nearest populated place is Tamarindo (population 6,375).

Were there aftershocks?

Aftershock activity is monitored continuously by the USGS. Aftershock sequences from magnitude 5.7 earthquakes can continue for days to weeks and gradually diminish over time.

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.