Moderate M5.5 earthquake strikes near Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua
An earthquake measuring M5.5 was recorded at 17:15 UTC on March 26, 2026, about 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Ciudad Sandino, Nicaragua. The earthquake struck at a depth of 155.7 km (96.8 miles), as reported by the USGS.
The epicenter was located in western Nicaragua at coordinates 12.1°N, 86.4°W, in proximity to Ciudad Sandino and within the greater Managua metropolitan region. This area is characterized by dense population and significant urban development.
Critical infrastructure in and around Ciudad Sandino and Managua includes major transportation routes, energy distribution facilities, and public utilities that serve both the local city and surrounding region.
There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.
The maximum estimated intensity for this event is IV. The significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.
Nicaragua lies along the boundary between the Cocos Plate and the Caribbean Plate, making it a zone of frequent seismic activity due to subduction and tectonic interactions offshore and inland.
This information was last updated at 17:38 UTC on March 26, 2026.