Caribbean: Earthquake of 4.3 magnitudes is reported in the Caribbean nations – Antigua and Barbuda, Basseterre,-Saint Kitts and Nevis, on early Sunday morning while a series of moderate earthquakes of 4.7 magnitudes continue to rock pieces near – Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
According to UWI seismic research, the earthquake had a depth of 10 km, and there are no reports that show damage or injuries. UWI Seismic research shared the information and stated that the earthquake happened just after 8:00 am – at the local time and was felt – 126 km North of StJohn’s, Antigua and Barbuda, – 131 km North-East of Basseterre, Saint Kitts Nevis, and – 226 km NNW of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.
Earthquake of magnitude- 4.7 struck Sunday morning about – 160 miles west of Isla Mona at 8:15 am local time, whereas nine other Caribbean nations also reported earthquake, including a 3.8 magnitude earthquake near Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and of magnitude – 3.4 northwest of San Antonio, Puerto Rico.
These earthquakes are happening near the northern-edge of the Caribbean Plate, which is a mostly oceanic tectonic plate holding – Central America and the Caribbean sea off of the north-coast of South America.
The North American Plate, the South American Plate, the Nazca Plate, and the Cocos Plate is bordered by the Caribbean Plate. The borders of these plates are places to the ongoing seismic motion, including frequent earthquakes, occasional tsunamis, and sometimes even volcanic eruptions.
The Tsunami Warning Center has stated that there is no risk of – tsunami to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the broader Caribbean for now.
If we look at the reason, most of the earthquakes occurring in the Eastern Caribbean region are either tectonic or volcanic in origin. Tectonic earthquakes are caused when plates move as concentrated energy is released. The countries of the Eastern Caribbean are, therefore, extremely responsive to earthquakes.
