Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake Shakes Punta Cana and Puerto Rico

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea just before 2 a.m. Tuesday local time, centered approximately 64 miles north-northeast of Punta Cana, a popular tourist destination. The quake was felt across the Dominican Republic and in the western part of Puerto Rico.

This earthquake is part of a series of at least 10 seismic events that started Monday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Fortunately, no immediate reports of damage or injuries were provided following the quake.

The Caribbean is a seismically active region where numerous tectonic plates converge, leading to frequent earthquakes. Historically, this area has experienced significant seismic activity, including a devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti‘s capital, Port-au-Prince, in 2010, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands.

Local authorities advised residents to remain vigilant and monitor updates as this developing story unfolds. Experts continue to analyze the aftershocks of this earthquake and its potential implications for the region.

As the Caribbean experiences frequent seismic activity, residents and visitors in the region are reminded to familiarize themselves with earthquake preparedness protocols.