A magnitude 4.6 earthquake occurred on Friday morning, September 18th, 2026, at 9:19 am local time near Ponce, Segundo Barrio, Ponce Municipio, Puerto Rico, according to the United States Geological Survey.According to preliminary data, the quake was located at a shallow depth of 10. km. Shallow earthquakes are felt more strongly than deeper ones because they are closer to the surface. The exact magnitude, epicenter, and depth of the quake might be revised within the next few hours or minutes as seismologists review data and refine their calculations, or as other agencies issue their reports.Based on the preliminary seismic data, the quake was probably felt by many people in the area of the epicenter. It should not have caused significant damage, other than objects falling from shelves, broken windows, etc. Moderate shaking probably occurred in Guanica (pop. 9,200), located 4 km from the epicenter.Weak shaking might have been felt in Yauco (pop. 20,300), located 13 km from the epicenter, Sabana Grande (pop. 9,000), 15 km away, Lajas (pop. 5,300), 17 km away, Guayanilla (pop. 5,200), 17 km away, San German (pop. 12,100), 19 km away, Penuelas (pop. 6,800), 26 km away, Maricao (pop. 1,200), 26 km away, Cabo Rojo (pop. 10,800), 27 km away, Hormigueros (pop. 11,900), 29 km away, Ponce (pop. 137,500), 34 km away, Bayamon (pop. 203,500), 97 km away, and San Juan (pop. 418,100), 105 km away.VolcanoDiscovery will automatically update the magnitude and depth if they change and follow up if other significant news about the quake becomes available. If you’re in the area, please send us your experience through our reporting mechanism, either online or via our mobile app. This will help us provide more first-hand updates to anyone around the globe who wants to know more about this quake.Earthquake data: Date & time: Sep 18, 2026 09:19 am (Puerto Rico time) local time (18 Sep 2026 13:19 GMT)Magnitude: 4.6Hypocenter depth: 10.00 kmEpicenter coordinates: 17.95°N / 66.94°W (Montalva Barrio, Guanica Municipio, Puerto Rico)Primary data source: USGS