Five earthquakes felt in less than six hours

Five earthquakes shook St Vincent in less than six hours yesterday.

Confirmation of this came in a release from the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) which said the earthquakes were felt at 7:01 am, 11:16 a.m., 11:29 a.m., 11:36 a.m. and 12:23 p.m.

Preliminary reports from the Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad, stated that at 7:01 am, an earthquake was generated 125km North East of Barbados at a depth of 10km. It measured 5.7 on the magnitude scale.{{more}}

At 11:16 a.m., an earthquake was generated 125km North East of Barbados at a depth of 10km. It measured 6.4 on the magnitude scale.

At 11:29 a.m., an earthquake was generated 108.0 km North East of Barbados at a depth of 10km. It measured 4.1 on the magnitude scale.

At 11:36 a.m., an earthquake was generated 140.0 km North East of Barbados at a depth of 10km. It measured 5.3 on the magnitude scale.

At 12:23 p.m., an earthquake was generated 98.0 km North North East of Barbados at a depth of 10km. It measured 3.8 on the magnitude scale.

The earthquakes were reported felt in various places on St Vincent, in Barbados, in St Lucia and in Trinidad.

There was no threat of a Tsunami from these tremors, the release from NEMO said.

NEMO has not received any report of damage from the earthquakes.

The following are measures that can 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 unsafe.

Earthquake Preparedness information can be obtained at the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) headquarters at Old Montrose.