Magnitude 3.50 quake felt in BVI

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.50 was felt in the British Virgin Islands about 7:23 last evening.

According to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network, the quake happened at latitude 18.27, longitude 64.66, or 16.67 kilometres south-south-east of Road Town, at a depth of 21 kilometres.

“No tsunami watches or warnings were issued for the Virgin Islands from this event,” said the government’s Department of Disaster Management (DDM).

It reminded residents that they live in a seismically active zone, which makes the territory vulnerable to earthquakes.

“During an earthquake, it is important to stay calm. If you are inside, stay there, 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 outdoors, move into an open area away from trees, building, or utility wires and poles. During an earthquake, the more you move, the more likely you are to be hurt. So refrain from entering or exiting a building at the time of the impact,” the DDM advised.