Wednesday, February 2nd 2011 An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 5.4 on the Richter scale was felt throughout the upper Leeward Islands at approximately 8:40 am on Wednesday 2nd February. The report indicated that the epicenter was located near 17.34 north latitude and -63.45 west longitude, or 309.45 KM East-Southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico at a depth of 156.9 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, buildings 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 impact.
Persons can contact the DDM at 468-4200 for further information on this earthquake.
