Shallow M5.9 earthquake hits Quepos, Costa Rica
A magnitude M5.9 earthquake was recorded at 03:57 UTC on October 22, 2025, approximately 7 km (4 miles) south-southwest of Quepos, Costa Rica. The quake occurred at a depth of 31.0 km (19.3 miles), according to data from the USGS.
The epicenter, located at coordinates 9.4°N, 84.2°W, places the earthquake close to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near the popular town of Quepos in Puntarenas Province. This region borders the Central American Pacific margin, a tectonically active zone with several nearby settlements and tourist areas.
Due to its proximity to the coast and regional infrastructure, critical facilities such as the Quepos waterfront, local port installations, Manuel Antonio National Park, nearby highways, and regional airports may be found in the broader impact area.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was V on the Modified Mercalli scale. The USGS received 46 felt reports for this earthquake. The significance index is 562 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Costa Rica lies along the convergent boundary between the Cocos and Caribbean Plates, making it susceptible to significant seismic activity. The region regularly experiences moderate to strong earthquakes due to subduction-related tectonic processes.
This information was last updated at 04:22 UTC on October 22, 2025.