NATIONAL OFFICE OF DISASTER SERVICES

Press Release - April 18th, 2017 -  A total of six earthquakes affected Antigua and Barbuda between Sunday night and Monday morning, according to information received from the UWI Seismic Research Centre in Trinidad.

The quakes, which struck between 11:12 pm on Sunday night and 4:31 am on Monday morning, were reportedly felt throughout the island, in Barbuda and other neighbouring territories such as Montserrat and St. Kitts and Nevis. The biggest quake which measured a magnitude of 5.8 occurred Monday morning at 1:23 am.

There were no reports of damage or injuries in Antigua and Barbuda.

Director of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) Philmore Mullin says this is not the first time these swarms of earthquakes have occurred in rapid succession over a short period of time.

The fact is Antigua and Barbuda is located in a very active seismic area and residents need to accept responsibility for their safety and protection.

Drop, Cover and Hold (DCH) is the means of protection during an actual impact and if there are any signs of damage, once the shaking stops, individuals should evacuate safely. It is also advised that persons should account for family members, look for injuries, check on neighbours and assist with first aid where necessary.

NODS advises that earthquakes are not always going to be just a shaking and ought to be taken seriously. Practise the DCH, evacuate where necessary and more importantly learn first aid, practice drills and put procedures in place for the home, church, school, workplace and other places regularly visited.

The trigger for a tsunami is usually an earthquake at a depth of 100 kilometres or less and at a magnitude of 6 and above on the Richter Scale. Research shows that since 1530, Antigua and Barbuda has been affected by 24 tsunamis.