An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 4.96 on the Richter Scale was felt throughout the Virgin Islands at approximately 12:28am this morning. The report indicated that the epicenter was located near 18.78N and 64.28 West or 8.36km NE of Anegada, 35. 31Km NE of Virgin Gorda or 54.23Km NE of Road Town, Virgin Islands at a depth of 25 miles.
Preliminary reports, upon speaking with the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, have not revealed any damage pertaining to the earthquake or the need for a tsunami bulletin.
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.
Persons who felt the earthquake can assist the DDM and the Puerto Rico Seismic Network in determining its intensity by logging on to http://www.prsn.uprm.edu/English/php/CatalogS/Mseismicity.php and completing a simple electronic form. Persons can also contact the DDM at 468-4200 to report any damage sustained by an earthquake’s impact.