[1] It measured 5.1 on the moment magnitude scale and had a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong).

The shock originated in the Great Northern Puerto Rico fault zone (GNPRfz) in the central eastern mountainous region of the island between the Juan Asencio and Sonadora barrios of Aguas Buenas, about 7 miles (11 km) from Caguas and 14 miles (23 km) from San Juan.

[5] The earthquake was felt by most due to its epicenter on land close to some of the major urban areas of Puerto Rico and the fact that it hit during Christmas Eve celebrations when people are usually gathered in large family groups, often indoors or attending church services.

[7] The earthquake was widely felt throughout Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.

There were initial reports of limited localized damages throughout the island, particularly in the municipalities of Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Arecibo, Arroyo, Ceiba, Coamo, Fajardo, Humacao, Juncos, Las Marías, Las Piedras, Mayagüez, Naranjito, Patillas, Salinas and San Lorenzo.