Thursday, September 8th 2011 An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 4.0M on the Richter Scale was recorded in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands at approximately 11:30 AM today. The report indicated that the epicenter was located near Latitude 18.90 and Longitude -65.18 or 70 miles North-West of Road Town, at a depth of 24.2 miles. No damage was reported and no watches or warnings were issued by the Puerto Rico Seismic Network.
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.
