Following an onslaught of strong earthquakes hitting neighbouring Puerto Rico and more recently Dominican and its surrounding areas, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie has warned the people of the Virgin Islands (VI) to be ready for the possibilities of an earthquake hitting the territory. Photo: Internet Source

In a statement released late Tuesday, January 7, 2019, Premier Andrew A. Fahie urged residents to get prepared for the possibilities of an earthquake by getting information from the local Department of Disaster Management. Photo: VINO/File

Puerto Rico’s housing secretary, Fernando Gil Enseñat, said nearly 400 people are housed in shelters in at least five municipalities. Over 200 sought shelter in Guánica, 40 in Ponce and 56 in the town of San Germán. Photo: Internet Source

In a statement released yesterday, Tuesday, January 7, 2020, Premier Fahie said, 'We would have learned about the recent swarm of earthquakes that have been occurring in the vicinity of neighboring Puerto Rico over the past several weeks and with increasing frequency and intensity over the last two days," he said.

No reports of damage to buildings in VI

He said reports indicate that some sections of the Virgin Islands experienced minimal effects as a result of the 6.4 to 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Puerto Rico, "the epicenter of which was approximately 160 miles away; specifically, South East of Guanica in Puerto Rico."

"Thankfully, there have been no reports of injuries to persons or damage to buildings and properties in the BVI, and no watches or warnings have been issued for this Territory up to this time," Hon Fahie remarked. 

While the impacts of the earthquake in Puerto Rico is still being assessed by authorities there, he noted that preliminary reports indicate there has been one death, injuries, major damage to buildings and infrastructure in certain areas.

"The people of Guayanilla have lost a major natural tourism site called Punta Ventana, and we have also read reports and seen pictures and video footage of other damage to buildings, roads and vehicles."

Reach out to DDM - Premier Fahie 

The Premier, in reminding residents that they live in a seismically active zone, said: "be ready for the possibility of an earthquake. I, therefore, encourage you to reach out to the DDM through the various communication channels and find out what it takes for you to be ready. DDM on behalf of the Government is monitoring things closely."

He said the territory has a long-standing relationship with the Puerto Rico Seismic Network and the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez and will continue to depend on them to design, implement and monitor the local earthquake network and issue the necessary advisories, watches or warnings for the Territory. 

"They have given excellent support to our technicians over the years and continue to do so today. We are grateful for this partnership."

What to do in an earthquake? 

According to the DDM, during an earthquake it is important to stay calm. If you are indoors stay there but 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,” DDM stated.