Moderate Seismic Event Recorded Along the Panama-Costa Rica Frontier
February 18, 2026
A 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Panama-Costa Rica border region at 09:06:36 UTC under clear skies, with no immediate reports of significant damage.
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A moderate earthquake rattled the border region between Panama and Costa Rica early Wednesday morning. The seismic event occurred under a clear sky with local temperatures resting at 24.8°C.
Instruments recorded the tremor at
4.8 on the Richter scale. The precise timing of the rupture was logged at
09:06:36 UTC.
Urban centers near the Chiriquí province reported light swaying, though no immediate structural damage has been confirmed. Local authorities are currently assessing the stability of remote infrastructure.
Residents in David and Paso Canoas felt the vibration as the workday began. The mild weather conditions have facilitated rapid response efforts by emergency services.
Geological Analysis
This region sits atop a complex tectonic junction involving the Nazca and Cocos plates. Subduction processes frequently lead to mid-range events such as this one.
Preliminary data suggests a shallow focal depth typical of the Panama Fracture Zone. Seismologists continue to monitor for potential aftershocks in the neighboring cordillera.
Our editorial team carefully monitors seismic data to provide in-depth analysis. Explore our real-time interactive Live Map for more details.