M4.5 Depth: 10.0 km

M4.5 Earthquake near Puntarenas (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-01-12 12:31:26 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On January 12, 2026 at 12:31 UTC, a magnitude M4.5 earthquake occurred near Puntarenas (Costa Rica). With a focal depth of about 10 km, this was a shallow earthquake, whose shaking is usually felt more strongly at the surface. Earthquakes of this magnitude are clearly felt; minor damage to vulnerable buildings is possible.

The event was recorded by USGS. Costa Rica: over the past 24 hours, QuakeMap24 logged 6 earthquakes, the strongest at M3.8.

Details

Magnitude

M4.5

Depth

10.0 km

UTC time

2026-01-12 12:31:26 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

State

Puntarenas

City

Puntarenas

Source

usgs

Coordinates

8.91190, -84.03550

Temperature

27.1°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

10 km

10 km — shallower than the regional average (27.1 km)

Regional average: 27.1 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: 120 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
Turrialba

Distance: 127 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
Barva

Distance: 136 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
Poas

Distance: 145 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
Platanar

Distance: 159 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica
Baru

Distance: 164 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'474 m ·Last eruption: 1550 ·Panama

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.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

716

Country (24h)