Earthquakes Near Mayagüez Today
Live answer from USGS data — every earthquake within 150 km (93 mi) of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico.
Checking live USGS data near Mayagüez…
Why Mayagüez gets earthquakes
Mayagüez faces the Mona Passage, source of the October 11, 1918 M7.3 earthquake — western Puerto Rico's deadliest disaster. The quake and the tsunami that followed minutes later killed around 116 people, with waves up to 20 feet striking the coast between Aguadilla and Mayagüez.
The Mona Passage and Mona Canyon faults remain active, and the 2020 southwestern Puerto Rico sequence shook Mayagüez strongly from the east. Because tsunami travel time from the Mona Canyon is only minutes, the west coast treats strong local shaking itself as the evacuation signal.
Mayagüez earthquake FAQ
▸Did Mayagüez just have an earthquake?
The live panel at the top of this page checks the USGS catalog for every earthquake within 150 km of Mayagüez and answers in one line. Keep in mind USGS data lags real shaking by roughly 2–3 minutes in California and up to ~8 minutes in other regions — if you felt something seconds ago, refresh shortly.
▸What faults cause earthquakes near Mayagüez?
The Mona Canyon and Mona Passage fault systems offshore west — sources of the 1918 M7.3 quake and tsunami — are Mayagüez's biggest threat, alongside the 2020 sequence's faults to the southeast near Guánica.
▸What magnitude earthquake can you feel in Mayagüez, PR?
Close to the epicenter, people typically begin to feel earthquakes around magnitude 2.5–3.0. An M4+ is felt across a wide area and rattles objects; M5+ can damage buildings near the epicenter. Shallow quakes feel stronger than deep ones of the same magnitude, and soft soils amplify shaking.
▸What should I do if I feel an earthquake in Mayagüez?
Drop, Cover, and Hold On — get low, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until shaking stops. Afterward, check for hazards like gas leaks, and expect possible aftershocks. If you're in a coastal area and the shaking is strong or lasts a long time, move inland or to high ground. Official guidance: ready.gov/earthquakes.