Above: a map of the quake (graphic: United States Geological Survey)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck early Wednesday morning off the coast of Panama, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The quake, which occurred around 12:28 AM local time, came at a depth of 10 kilometres. Its epicentre was about 71 kilometres east-southeast of Punta de Burica and about 315 kilometres southeast of San Jose, Costa Rica.

The quake was felt in both Panama and Costa Rica, according to responses sent to the USGS.

There were reports of light shaking in Costa Rica and weaker shaking in western Panama.

There were not yet any reports of damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake, which is the latest in a several-month period of increased seismic activity in the region.