Earthquake of Magnitude 6.6 Hits Virgin Islands: Importance of Earthquake Preparedness and Response

A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 hit the Virgin Islands on Monday, July 10th, at around 4:28 pm.

According to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at latitude 20.1 North and longitude 61.1 West, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

There is no tsunami warning in effect for the Virgin Islands.

This earthquake is a reminder that the Virgin Islands are in a seismically active area, and it is important to be prepared for earthquakes year-round.

From December 1st, 2022 to January 9th, 2023, the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN) recorded 76 earthquakes ranging from magnitude 0 to a magnitude 4.35 event on Christmas Day.

Director of Disaster Management, Jasen Penn, stated that significant earthquakes are widely reported to the public to ensure that people are aware if they are at risk.

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) reminds the community that earthquakes can occur at any time.

Therefore, it is important to stay calm during an earthquake and take appropriate actions to ensure your safety.

If you are inside, stay there and 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 you are outdoors, move to an open area away from trees, buildings, or utility wires and poles.

The more you move, the more likely you are to be hurt, so refrain from entering or exiting a building during shaking.

Residents can access resources on the DDM website to help them plan and prepare for possible disasters, such as the emergency shelter list, emergency plan templates for families, and continuity planning templates for businesses.

In conclusion, the Virgin Islands are in a seismically active area, and it is important to be prepared for earthquakes year-round.

The DDM reminds the community to stay calm during an earthquake, and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.
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