A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Jamaica: no reports of fatalities

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake struck Jamaica on Monday. Although it led to power outages in some areas and resulted in items falling, there were no reports of significant damage. Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassured the public that there were no casualties, injuries, or severe damage. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and staying in safe locations in case of aftershocks, noting that the electricity and the phone services are temporarily disrupted in some areas.

The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 4km west-northwest of Hope Bay in northeastern Jamaica and occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The incident caused fear on the island, leading some individuals to seek medical attention for panic attacks. During the U.N.'s International Seabed Authority meeting participants were seen fleeing on camera before the broadcast was interrupted. Furthermore, the Jamaica Constabulary Force reported that traffic lights were affected, and police were dispatched to control intersections.

Small earthquakes are common in and around Jamaica, occurring at a rate of approximately 200 per year, but strong ones are not so common. Notable earthquakes in the past include the devastating 1692 Port Royal earthquake, the 1907 quake in Kingston, and a significant earthquake in March 1957, primarily affecting western Jamaica, as reported by the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the island is situated on the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone, similar to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.