Even more tremors rock Puerto Rico/BVI region
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has reported that yet another major earthquake has been felt in the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands region.
In an alert minutes after 9 o’clock on Saturday, January 11, the DDM said this latest reported quake had a magnitude of 6.0.
The DDM did not specify the exact time or location of the tremor but said more information on the quake would follow.
In a subsequent alert minutes after, the DDM said No Tsunami watches, advisories or warnings have been issued in relation to the tremor but advised residents to remain on alert because “aftershocks continue”.
Over the in the BVI, there have been reports of minor tremors reaching sections of the territory.
The DDM has sent at least two other alerts of quakes that happened in Puerto Rico region within the last 14 hours, prior to this publication.
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The earth is a living, moving, breathing organism.
With all that activity, would not be surprised to see at least one volcano erupting some where here.
Designing buildings to resist the lateral/horizontal forces generated by earthquake/seismic activity is complex. Generally, buildings are design to deal with vertical forces. Buildings can be designed to be somewhat earthquake-resisant; nonetheless, buildings can’t be totally earthquake-proof. The goal is to protect health, safety and security of people, and protect facilities/assets. With the increasing seismic activity in the region, the VI building code needs at least basic design requirements for seismic hazards. The follows are some earthquake tips from Mich Tech:
What Should I Do Before, During, And After An Earthquake?
What to Do Before an Earthquake
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
Learn first aid.
Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves (they’ll fall during a quake).
Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Stay calm! If you’re indoors, stay inside. If you’re outside, stay outside.
If you’re indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
If you’re outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
Don’t use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don’t mix.
If you’re in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
Don’t use elevators (they’ll probably get stuck anyway).
What to Do After an Earthquake
Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid for anyone who needs it.
Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. If any are damaged, shut off the valves. Check for the smell of gas. If you smell it, open all the windows and doors, leave immediately, and report it to the authorities (use someone else’s phone).
Turn on the radio. Don’t use the phone unless it’s an emergency.
Stay out of damaged buildings.
Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis and seiches sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
Stay away from damaged areas.
If you’re at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
Expect aftershocks.
The Caribbean tectonic plate is shifting posing significant threats to the VI and other countries in the region through which fault lines run. A 5.0 tremor hit Nicaragua several hours ago. It is significant to note that Nicaragua is just north of the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal is vital to moving goods east and west and north and south. Its collapse would severely disrupt the transport of goods world wide; it would be catastrophic. The alternative to moving goods either by air or sea (South of Argentina) would take longer and be much more expensive. With technology, the path of and when (approximately) a hurricane will hit is more predictable (not 100%). The when for earthquakes isn’t not so predictable. The unpredictability creates an uncertainty that has to be planned for and built into our building codes. The BVI struggles with designing for vertical forces. Now seismic (horizontal forces) will add to the struggles. It is time to act. We cannot waste more time thinking about what to do. The monster is at our door step, as if the BVI didn’t have more struggles to worry about.
Trump building a sub base. You have heard it here first.