Earthquake of the Coast of Kiskeia and Boriken

UCTP Taino News - At 9:43 AM Atlantic Standard Time on March 16, an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 5.4 occurred of the coast of the Kiskeia (Dominican Republic), 80 miles/129 Km northwest of Mayaguez, Borikén (Puerto Rico) . The magnitude is such that a tsunami will not be generated. The location and magnitude are based on preliminary information. Further information will be issued by the United States Geological Survey or the Puerto Rico Seismic Network.

UCTPTN 03.16.2011

Highway Blocked As 5.8 Quake Strikes Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico (AHN) - Puerto Rico was jolted by a moderate earthquake on Sunday morning. The 5.8-magnitude quake was centered between the cities of Moca and Anasco and damaged homes on parts of the island and caused a rock slide on a highway.

The temblor struck at 1:16 a.m. nearly four miles from the small town of Espino on the western side of the island. Nearly 63 miles away in the capital San Juan, the quake was felt in the city's high-rise buildings.

Homes on the western and northern side of the Caribbean island also reported damage. Puerto Rico's emergency management agency said a rock slide in Utuado caused debris to block a highway.

Even on the nearby islands of Vieques, Culebra, Santa Cruz, and rest of the Virgin Islands residents reported feeling the quake.

Authorities say no one was injured, however the alarms of cars, banks, shopping malls and buildings went off resulting in panic among many who misunderstood the alarms to be a tsunami warning.

Author: Ayinde O. Chase
Source: AHN News