A moderate earthquake struck 8 miles from Estebanía in the Dominican Republic Monday afternoon.
The 5.0 magnitude quake, shown on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) map, hit just after 3 p.m. local time at a shallow depth of about 6 miles, meaning the seismic disturbance could be felt more on the surface. No damage or injuries were immediately reported Monday afternoon.
Estebanía sits in the southeastern portion of Azua Province in the Dominican Republic, about 64 miles from the capital of Santo Domingo.
Why It Matters
The earthquake comes more than two months after the region experienced a 5.7 magnitude quake on August 5 and highlights the seismic risks facing the Caribbean, where moderate and occasionally damaging temblors have occurred in recent decades.
Quakes of this magnitude can trigger property damage and raise safety concerns, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness.
What To Know
The Dominican Republic is on the northern edge of the Caribbean tectonic plate, bordering the North American one. This boundary is known for producing seismic activity, with a long history of earthquakes, including Samaná’s 8.1 magnitude in 1946 and the 6.4 magnitude in 2020 near Puerto Rico.
In 2021, a 7.2 magnitude quake struck in nearby Haiti, killing more than 700 people and leaving over 2,800 injured.
Local authorities and organizations in the Dominican Republic have implemented earthquake preparedness plans in recent years.
According to the USGS, an earthquake’s “significance” is determined based on magnitude, the number of “Did You Feel It?” (DYFI) responses and PAGER alert levels.
For a disturbance to be labeled significant—and highlighted in red on USGS maps—it must achieve a significance score above 600, factoring in a combination of these variables.
As of this report, the October 20 quake was not listed among the most significant worldwide; however, earthquakes of this strength are closely monitored by both local and international agencies.
What People Are Saying
USGS, in an official event summary Monday: “A magnitude 5.0 earthquake occurred in the Dominican Republic on October 20, 2025.”
What Happens Next
The USGS and local agencies will continue monitoring aftershocks and assess ground conditions in the affected regions.
Residents in the Dominican Republic are encouraged to follow guidance from national emergency services for safety and preparedness.
