SVG feels second earthquake in 4 days

An earthquake was felt in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday; the second one in four days.{{more}}

According to information received from the Seismic Research Centre, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad, at 3:34 pm on Tuesday, February 8, an earthquake of magnitude 4.0 occurred East of St. Lucia.

The earthquake was also felt in St. Lucia. The event was located at 13.9 N and 60.32 W, with a depth of 26km.

On Friday, February 4, at 8:16 a.m., an earthquake of magnitude 5.1 was felt by residents of at least four Caribbean countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines. That quake is said to have occured at a depth of 144 km, 11.36 N and 61.87 W of the Para Peninsula, Trinidad.

No damage or injuries have been reported from either quake.

Just six weeks ago, Dr. Joan Latchman, Acting Director of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre predicted that an 8.0 magnitude earthquake could hit the region any day now.

Latchman made the prediction in the wake of a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, December 26, 2010. Its preliminary magnitude was 4.5 and its depth was 38 km.

Latchman said the December 26 quake was part of a series of earthquakes that began in September 2006 with a tremor of magnitude 5.8, the highest registered on land since the Seismic Centre has been monitoring earthquakes.

Latchman said that while the Eastern Caribbean has recorded earthquakes in the magnitude 7.1 to 7.5 every 20 to 30 years, there has not been a severe earthquake in this part of the Caribbean since 1843.

A release from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has advised that the following be taken to protect lives and increase chances of survival during an earthquake: If inside Drop, Cover and Hold on to a sturdy structure; If outside, stay in an open space; If no sturdy cover is available, Drop, Cover and Hold your head to protect it; Remain in place until the shaking stops, wait for aftershocks; Stay away from doors and windows; Stay away from falling objects; If you are driving, stop in an open area and stay inside the vehicle.

After an earthquake, it is important to do the following: Check for injuries to yourself and persons around you; Check for damage to your property; Only use your cell phone if there is an emergency; Do not move persons who are seriously injured unless the area is safe.

Earthquake preparedness information can be obtained at the NEMO headquarters at Old Montrose.