Monday 7th November 2011 An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 3.63Md on the Richter scale was felt throughout Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands at approximately 4:25pm yesterday afternoon. The report indicated that the epicenter was located near 19.03 north latitude and 64.34 west longitude, or approximately 21 miles north from The Settlement Anegada at a depth of 65.9km.
According to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network there have been no reports or cases of damage.
The DDM takes this time to remind the BVI community that we live in a seismically active zone, which makes the Territory vulnerable to earthquakes. During an earthquake it is important to stay calm, if you are inside stay there, move away from ceiling fans, glass windows and doors or anything that may fall. Get under a desk or sturdy piece of furniture cover your head and hold on. If outdoors, move into an open area away from trees, building, or utility wires and poles. During an earthquake the more you move the more likely you are to be hurt, so refrain from entering or exiting a building at the time of the impact.
Persons who felt the earthquake can assist the DDM and the Puerto Rico Seismic Network in determining its intensity by logging on to http://www.prsn.uprm.edu/English/DFI/reportesismos.php and completing a simple electronic form. Persons can also contact the DDM at 468-4200 to report any damage sustained by an earthquake’s impact.
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