A significant earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck east of Beauséjour, Guadeloupe, at 12:38 UTC (08:38 local time) on October 27, 2025. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), which both reported the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located approximately 162 kilometers (101 miles) from Beauséjour, 184 kilometers (115 miles) from Saint-François, and 191 kilometers (118 miles) from Le Moule. An estimated 125,000 people experienced weak shaking, while about 58,000 felt light shaking. Fortunately, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) confirmed that no tsunami threat emerged from the earthquake.
In response to the event, the USGS issued a Green alert indicating a low likelihood of casualties and damage, although the buildings in the region vary in their vulnerability to seismic activity. Many structures are categorized as informal constructions, including metal, timber, and stone masonry, which could be susceptible to shaking.
The tremor was followed shortly after by an aftershock measuring 6.0 at 13:54 UTC, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. While little to no landsliding or liquefaction is expected, some localized effects may have occurred in regions particularly vulnerable to such events.
This earthquake serves as a reminder of the ongoing seismic activity in the Caribbean, a region known for its tectonic activity. As communities assess the impact and ensure preparedness for future seismic events, emergency response teams remain on alert.