Earthquakes in Jamaica On October 30, 2023, a magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck near Hope Bay, Jamaica, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 1. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. There have been no reports of serious damage or casualties so far.
Jamaica is located in a geologically active area and is therefore subject to earthquakes. According to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica is located along the “northern margin of the Caribbean Plate” and “the presence of very active faults on the island makes Jamaica very vulnerable to earthquakes”. The Unit for Disaster Studies in the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of the West Indies, Mona, has been documenting the history and causes of earthquakes in Jamaica. Below are some of the major documented earthquakes that have affected Jamaica over the years:
- Port Royal Earthquake of 1692: This earthquake was a great calamity that caused great devastation. Even though the effects of the earthquake were felt over the whole island, the town of Port Royal was worst affected. Approximately 1500 to 2000 of its inhabitants were killed, and an additional three thousand were injured.
- Earthquake of January 14, 1907: This was by far the worst calamity to befall the city of Kingston. The massive earthquake measured an estimated 9.5 on the Richter scale. Thousands died from disease and injury in its aftermath.
- Earthquake of January 13, 1993: This earthquake had a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in Jamaica.
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind during an earthquake:
- If you’re indoors, drop down to the ground and take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture like a table or desk. Stay away from windows, mirrors, and other objects that could fall and cause injury.
- If you’re outdoors, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Find an open space and drop down to the ground.
- If you’re driving, pull over to the side of the road and stop the car. Avoid parking under bridges or overpasses.
- If you’re in a crowded public place like a mall or theater, stay calm and follow the instructions of security personnel.
Remember to stay alert for aftershocks, which can occur after an earthquake. If you feel an aftershock, take cover immediately.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend taking the following actions during an earthquake:
- Drop down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down. This position protects you from falling but allows you to still move if necessary.
- Cover your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk. If there is no shelter nearby, get down near an interior wall or next to low-lying furniture that won’t fall on you, and cover your head and neck with your arms and hands.
- Hold on to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with your shelter if the shaking shifts it around.
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