Earthquake hits VI ahead of Tropical Storm Isaac. Photo: DDM

Governor Jaspert in the company of Sister Islands Coordinator Mr Vincent Wheatley and then Deptuty Governor Rosalie Adams on a visit to Virgin Gorda post Hurricane Irma 2017. Photo: VINO/File

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - The Virgin Islands (VI) was today, September 12, 2018, at 12:18 AM, hit with a magnitude 4.0 earthquake, recorded by the Puerto Rico Seismic Network and reported by the VI’s Department of Disaster Management (DDM).

According to reports, the epicenter of the quake was located at latitude 18.878 North, longitude 64.873 West or 57.56 Km North West of Road Town, Tortola.

Information from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has indicated no Tsunami Advisories, Watches or Warnings were issued for the VI.

DDM used the opportunity to remind that the VI is in a seismically active zone, which makes the Territory vulnerable to earthquakes. 

Tropical Storm Preparations

Additionally, with Tropical Storm Isaac projected to affect the Territory with heavy rains tomorrow, Thursday, September 13, 2018, United Kingdom (UK) resident representative, Governor Augustus J. U. Gaspert, has urged residents to not be complacent and ensure that, “we all have personal preparations in place and the same goes for businesses.”

He said in a DDM statement on September 11, 2018, “let us continue to carefully monitor the progress of Isaac and any subsequent weather systems that may develop and the information being shared by the DDM as they continue to ensure that we are as ready as possible…Let us together stay ready and be ready.”

Governor Gaspert said too, that over the past year, “we have been focused on progressing the implementation of the Cabinet approved readiness plan to heighten the Territory’s state of preparedness.”

Debris

Since the passage of the hurricanes last year, over 100,000 tons of residential waste and 450,000 cubic yards of debris have also been collected in Tortola and the Sister Islands.

As such, residents are encouraged to expedite the removal of any loose materials from their properties and surrounding areas ahead if the expected storms.

It was noted too that “although tropical storm Isaac appears to be heading far south of the Virgin Islands, its path and intensity remain uncertain.”

The storm is expected to track some 200 miles south of the VI.