It has been two days of natural phenomena with Antigua experiencing flooding in
the southern corridor on Tuesday and on Wednesday both Antigua and Barbuda
were shaken violently by an earthquake that sent many residents scampering for
cover. To top it off, the Met Office reported that a water spout was spotted just off
the northern coast of Antigua. This phenomenon was visible around 3:00 pm
Wednesday. (These special weather systems are called tornadoes over land and
water spouts over water).
According to the Met Office the earthquake’s epicenter was located some 27.3
miles southeast of Antigua making it closer to Guadeloupe. It had a depth of 6.2
miles and it measured 5.4 on the Richter Scale. It occurred approximately 10:43
am on Wednesday.The Met Office described it as moderate to high in terms of its intensity and
according to reports from residents about their experiences. Many residents
however reported hearing a loud noise at the same time they felt the earth shaking.
The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) said it did not receive any
reports of injuries or damage to property as a result of the earthquake.
The quake was reportedly felt throughout the islands and other nearby territories
such as St. Kitts/Nevis, Montserrat, St Martin and Dominica.
According to the UWI Seismic Research Centre in Trinidad that monitors
earthquakes and volcanoes for English-speaking islands of the Eastern Caribbean,
confirmed the findings of the Met Office.
NODS reported that there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake. It is
important to note that the threat of a tsunami comes from an earthquake measuring
magnitude 6.5 or more.
NODS encourages residents to be better prepared for such hazards by engaging in
regular drills to include practicing to “Drop, Cover and Hold” – a safety measure
advised by regional technicians during an earthquake. If inside a building,
individuals should not run outside, but get under a sturdy desk, table or bed and
hold on. Persons should not use elevators, they should move away from windows,
glass doors, mirrors, hanging and heavy items.
It is also important that individuals follow the building code when constructing
their homes.
NODS wishes to commend those schools and other institutions that have been
participating in regular drills which ensures that individuals know what action they
should take whenever an earthquake occurs. Reports from several schools were
that teachers and students took the necessary precaution which was to drop, cover
and hold and assemble in an open area afterwards, and account for everyone.
