Image of epicentre. Image: US Geological Survey

Information and Education Manager of the DDM Philomena N. Robertson said that there have been no reports of injury to persons or damage whether to private property or public assets as it relates to the earthquake experienced on August 12, 2014. Photo: VINO/File

This is according to Information and Education Manager of the DDM Philomena N. Robertson, who spoke with this news site today August 13, 2014.

“We haven’t received any reports of injury [to persons] or damage whether to private property or public assets as it relates to the earthquake that we experienced on August 12, 2014,” she said.

She said that while there is no telling when an earthquake could strike, she said that there are a number of things people can do to ensure that they are prepared for the eventuality.

“In terms of the preparations there a number of things that one can to do reduce the threat of hazard in your home, or even in your business place by bolting down unstable items and placing large or heavy objects on lower shelves, you can contact professionals to repair defective electrical wiring, leaky gas lines and install flexible utility connections, you should know where and how to shut off your utilities: water, electricity, gas, and you need to keep exits free of obstacles and to locate and identify the safe spots and danger zones in each room in your home,” she said.

According to information issued by the Puerto Rico Seismic Network and relayed by the DDM, an earthquake above the magnitude of 4.46 MI has occurred.

“At 11:05PM an earthquake measuring 4.46 MI Latitude: 18.723 N Longitude: 65.222 W occurred at a depth of 39 Km at a distance of 35 miles NW of the VI. No Tsunami Watches or Warnings were issued for the Virgin Islands,” the bulletin said.

“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,” it said.