Statement on recent earthquake activity in the Eastern Caribbean

The Lesser Antilles arc is a subduction zone setting that experiences thousands of earthquakes on an annual basis.
While most of these events are not felt, moderate to significant sized events may impact the region at anytime.

Many of the events occurring overnight have been located in the northeastern section of the arc, in the area known to have generated our largest earthquake, on 08 February, 1843.

In recent days and months, several areas, from Barbados to far north-east of the arc, have generated moderate to strong earthquakes.
Sometimes, such activity signals an even more significant magnitude earthquake, in the short term.

Larger earthquakes are also a normal part of the earthquake cycle.  At this time, however, the science is unable to predict exactly where and when such events would occur.
To mitigate the impact, we should always have our preparedness measures in place.

It is important to remember that the effects of large magnitude earthquakes can extend over wide areas.
We should all, therefore, ensure that we are prepare plan and practice, individually, nationally and regionally.

For the latest information on seismic activity in the Eastern Caribbean please, continue to follow the UWI Seismic Research Centre on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @uwiseismic

For earthquake safety and preparedness videos please visit the Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UWISeismicResearch/playlists

Visit our website for all related geohazard information: www.uwiseismic.com

The ODM wishes to remind the public that it is important to know the protection measures before an earthquake as there is no forewarning.
Here are a few safety tips:

Before and earthquake

 Make plans – make sure you have a well-prepared Disaster Plan. Set aside
emergency supplies and equipment, learn first aid and teach family
members how to turn off electricity, gas and water supplies by learning
location of safety valves and main switches.
 Pick safe places in your home, workplace or school.

During an earthquake:
Some of the most important things you can do are:

 Try to Remain Calm
 Be aware of your surroundings – If you are in a store or shop, move away
from display shelves containing bottles, cans, or other objects that may fall.
Move away from windows, glass doors, heavy mirrors, pictures, bookcases,
hanging plants and heavy objects.

 Take action to protect yourself – Protect your head and face and Drop,
Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy desk, table, bench or bed. If you use a
walker or wheelchair Lock, Cover and Hold On.
 Stay where you are - do not run to get outside or inside of buildings as
falling objects could cause further harm.