Recent earthquakes in Nicaragua
Nicaragua lies along the Central American volcanic arc, where the Cocos Plate subducts beneath the Caribbean Plate off the Pacific coast. Shallow crustal faults run beneath the capital, Managua, which sits within this active belt. The 1972 Managua earthquake (M6.2) destroyed much of the city centre, and a 1992 offshore event produced a damaging tsunami. In the past 24 hours, Nicaragua has recorded no earthquakes above the reporting threshold.
Counts include M2.5+ events — the smallest size USGS reports consistently worldwide.
Recent earthquakes
| Magnitude | Time (UTC) | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4.6 | Jul 26, 09:26 UTC | 35 km | 68 km SSW of Masachapa, Nicaragua |
Notable recent activity
An M4.6 earthquake struck 68 km SSW of Masachapa, Nicaragua at 09:26 UTC on Jul 26 at a depth of 35 km.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Nicaragua have earthquakes?
The Cocos Plate subducts beneath the Caribbean Plate off Nicaragua's Pacific coast, generating offshore earthquakes and the country's chain of volcanoes. Shallow faults inland, including beneath Managua, add local hazard.
Has Managua had major earthquakes?
Yes. Managua was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1931 and again in 1972, both from shallow faults running directly beneath the city. The 1972 event levelled much of the urban core.
What was the biggest earthquake in Nicaragua?
The September 1, 1992 magnitude 7.7 offshore earthquake was Nicaragua's largest in recent times and produced a tsunami that struck the Pacific coast. The shallow 1972 Managua earthquake (M6.2) was the most destructive to a city.
Nearby regions
Live data from the USGS earthquake feeds. Magnitudes and depths are automated readings and may be revised. Not for emergency use.