The UWI Seismic Research Centre says an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred north of Barbuda today.
Several people reported feeling it both on Antigua and Barbuda. The UWI says it was also felt in neighbouring islands about 1:43 pm.
There have been no reports of injury or damage. The event came exactly a day after the anniversary of the biggest quake known to have affected the Eastern Caribbean in 1843.
From historical documents, the event lasted 90 seconds and was felt from as far south as Guyana and as far north as New York, USA.
The epicenter was southeast of Antigua and damage was reported throughout the region.
In Antigua, the English Harbour wharf, built on reclaimed land sunk and in Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe, all masonry structures were destroyed. A fire resulting from the earthquake destroyed the wooden buildings in the city. Approximately 6000 persons were thought to have perished throughout the region. Although this earthquake was not instrumentally recorded, the vast historical resources have allowed seismologists to estimate the event’s magnitude in the range of 8.0-8.5.
One hundred and seventy-four years later, this event serves as a reminder to all that earthquakes of this magnitude can occur in the region and we best be prepared for such an event by preparing a family emergency plan, practicing earthquake drills at home, school and office and lobbying authorities to construct safe (earthquake resistant) buildings.
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