M3.2 Depth: 10.0 km

M3.2 Earthquake near Sierpe, Puntarenas (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-05-18 12:31:51 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

A magnitude M3.2 earthquake was recorded near Sierpe, Puntarenas (Costa Rica) on May 18, 2026 at 12:31 UTC. The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 10 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks. Costa Rica: 7 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.7.

Details

Magnitude

M3.2

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-18 12:31:51 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

State

Puntarenas

City

Sierpe

County

Osa

Village

Sierpe

Source

emsc

Coordinates

8.76430, -83.53000

Temperature

27.4°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 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

Baru

Distance: 109 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'474 m ·Last eruption: 1550 ·Panama
Irazu

Distance: 140 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
Turrialba

Distance: 143 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
Barva

Distance: 165 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
Poas

Distance: 177 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
Platanar

Distance: 194 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica

Sources: Smithsonian GVP & USGS

Historic earthquake map · Costa Rica

Open history map

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Country statistics · Costa Rica

Country overview

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

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

759

Country (24h)