4.6 earthquake felt across parts of TT

TT recorded its first earthquake for the year – or at least, the first one strong enough to be felt – today. The quake happened at about 10:30 am, just off the north coast and 40 kilometres from Port of Spain, according to information provided by the UWI Seismic Centre in St Augustine. Earthquakes at this magnitude are classified as "light" and are sometimes felt but cause minor damage. The quake was felt in Port of Spain and St Augustine, among other places.

UWI Seismic Centre director Dr Richard Robertson said it is not uncommon for earthquakes to occur in this area. He said predicting earthquakes is not an exact science and today’s earthquake cannot be seen as a precursor to a major event. But, he reiterated, people need to be vigilant about the threats posed by earthquakes.

Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) head, Capt Neville Wint said the agency was aware of the quake, although were no reports of injuries or structural damage. Wint said the ODPM is liaising with local government corporations, which are doing initial assessments..

Last October, UWI seismologist Dr Joan Latchman said the seven earthquakes that TT experienced in one week were not a sign that “the big one” is imminent, but also warned that people “need to recognise that the earthquake hazard is real.” Last August, the county was shaken by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that caused structural damage across the country.