According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake is one of several which have impacted the area today, May 2, 2020.

While no tsunami advisory has been issued, Ponce Mayor Maria E. Melendez said several buildings were damaged.

The temblor hit as Puerto Ricans are currently under a nearly two-month lockdown as authorities take action to curb the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Mayor via a twitter update said officials are assessing the quake's effects and checking on citizens, "We will keep doing rounds all across the city to asses the structural damage in order to save lives in danger."

Aftershocks hit neighbouring towns

While promising to posted updates on the current situation, she urged citizens to avoid going to the city centre, until authorities are certain that everyone is safe.

A number of aftershocks were also recorded in the 90 minutes following the initial event according to the US Geological Survey.

Shaken were the towns of Guánica and Guayanilla, where hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed in January's 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which killed one person.