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M3.8 Depth: 8.0 km

M3.8 Earthquake near Puntarenas Province (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-08-09 05:38:35 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On August 9, 2026 at 05:38 UTC, a magnitude M3.8 earthquake occurred near Puntarenas Province (Costa Rica). With a focal depth of about 8 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are often felt but rarely cause damage.

The event was recorded by EMSC.

Details

Magnitude
M3.8
Depth
8.0 km
UTC time
2026-08-09 05:38:35 UTC
Local time
—
Country
Costa Rica
State
Puntarenas Province
City
Puntarenas Province
Source
emsc
Coordinates
8.86000, -84.41000
Temperature
28.8°C

Map

Depth profile

Depth profile Depth: 8 km (Shallow) Surface Shallow Intermediate Deep 0 km 70 km 300 km 700 km 8 km
Shallow
8 km
8 km — shallower than the regional average (27.3 km)
Regional average: 27.3 km
Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

  • Irazu
    Distance: 139 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
  • Barva
    Distance: 146 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
  • Turrialba
    Distance: 147 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
  • Poas
    Distance: 150 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
  • Platanar
    Distance: 160 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica
  • Arenal
    Distance: 181 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 1'670 m ·Last eruption: 2010 ·Costa Rica

Historic earthquake map · Costa Rica

Open history map
Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Costa Rica

Country overview
View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

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