4.48 EARTHQUAKE FELT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

21^st July 2010 –An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 4.48 on the Richter scale was felt throughout the Virgin Islands at approximately 8:00 pm July 21st 2010.  The report indicated that the epicenter was located in the Virgin Islands Platform near 18.55 latitude and -64.96 longitude, or 40.11 KM West North-West of Road Town at a depth of 102 kilometers

 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/php/CatalogS/Felts.php completing a simple electronic form.  Persons can also contact the DDM at 468-4200 to report any damage sustained by an earthquake’s impact.