A 5.4 magnitude earthquake rocked Jamaica at roughly 10:57 AM native time this morning.
In line with USGS, affected nations included Jamaica, Haiti, the US Minor Outlying Islands, and Cuba.
The epicenter of the quake was 4 kilometers from Hope Bay, Jamaica, with a depth of 10 km.
The earthquake has to this point been reportedly felt within the Jap and Central parishes of the island, particularly Kingston and St Andrew, Clarendon, St. Mary, St Catherine, St Thomas, Portland, St Elizabeth, and Manchester.
This follows a 4.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the island in September.
Structural harm has been reported in some elements of Portland and Kingston, amongst different parishes.
The overall consensus from Jamaicans on social media was that this was the strongest felt earthquake to hit the island in not less than 20 years.
From my mom give beginning to meee 25 years in the past! That was the strongest earthquake I’ve ever felt! Swore assume God was coming
— Bestdatdidit (@drippingmelani8) October 30, 2023
In line with the Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams, there was harm to derelict buildings in downtown Kingston.
Derelict buildings downtown have been impacted by the earthquake. At present assessing different areas affected downtown. pic.twitter.com/wD6xIYWy8r
— Delroy Williams (@MayorWilliamsJA) October 30, 2023
A number of communities throughout the island, particularly these on the jap facet of the island, have reported harm. Structural harm has additionally been reported on the College of the West Indies in Kingston, the New Kingston Procuring Middle, and different public buildings.
Assertion from the Prime Minister
Following the earthquake, Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed the nation.
“The harm evaluation to this point is that harm has been minor. However, we’re taking all precautions. All the mandatory protocols have been activated. Right here on the workplace of the Prime Minister, the NWA [National Works Agency] will probably be doing an evaluation to make sure the constructing is secure for cupboard to renew,” he mentioned.
He urged all Jamaicans to stay calm, including that the nation could expertise aftershocks.
“It’s seemingly that after the preliminary shock, there are normally aftershocks so that you need to be in a secure place … Once more, stay calm, comply with all of the protocols concerning earthquakes and normal security,” the Prime Minister mentioned.
The Prime Minister mentioned that many Jamaicans throughout the island skilled a break in electrical energy and communication following the earthquake, most of which has been restored.
The airports stay open and there have been no reported deaths to this point. Some faculties and enterprise locations within the affected parishes, nevertheless, have suspended operations for the rest of the day.
