Local June 24, 2025 | 6:43 am

Strong 5.7 Mw quake strikes 70 km NE of Punta Cana, shakes eastern Dominican Republic

Punta Cana, DR.- An earthquake of magnitude 5.7 struck the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic late Monday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at 10:45 PM local time (GMT-4) on June 23, with its epicenter located 70 kilometers north-northeast of Punta Cana and at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The USGS’s preliminary report places the quake at 5.7 Mw, classifying it as “strong” given its shallow depth and proximity to populated areas. No tsunami warning was issued, and there are, as yet, no reports of significant structural damage or casualties.

Residents in Santo Domingo, Higüey and San Cristóbal felt the ground roll beneath them, while users on social media in Licey al Medio (Santiago province) and La Isleta (Moca) in the north also reported strong shaking. Eyewitnesses noted that the duration of the tremor—lasting roughly 15 seconds—was enough to rattle windows and unsettle household items.

Seismologist and meteorological analyst Jean Suriel corroborated the USGS data, specifying that the quake’s epicenter lay within the Mona Passage channel, which separates the Dominican Republic from Puerto Rico. Officials in western Puerto Rico likewise registered the movement, describing it as noticeable but causing no widespread alarm.

While aftershocks are common following an event of this magnitude, local authorities urge residents to remain calm, secure loose objects at home and follow any instructions from civil protection agencies. Emergency services continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates should conditions change.

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Paul Tierney
June 24, 2025 7:55 am

Well, it added a jumpy note to this poster’s evening leisure in Punta Cana. No big deal, thank God.