On the 18th August 2017, an earthquake with a magnitude above 4.0 was felt in the Virgin Islands this afternoon around 4:13 PM. According to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 4.80 occurred at latitude 18.95, longitude 66.33 or approximately 135 miles North East of the Virgin Island at a depth of 30 km. No tsunami watches or warnings were issued for the VI from this event.
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.