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Mag 5.9 aftershock rocks quake-stunned Puerto Rico

-Tremors felt in USVI & VI as PR struggles to regain electricity
A man sits on a shade in the street where structures are collapsed after an earthquake struck Guanica, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 7, 2020. Photo: AP
Today's latest quake, which came around 9:00 am, is said to have caused even further damage, especially in areas around the southern coast where homes and schools collapsed from the Tuesday's magnitude of 6.4. earthquake. Photo: Internet Source
Today's latest quake, which came around 9:00 am, is said to have caused even further damage, especially in areas around the southern coast where homes and schools collapsed from the Tuesday's magnitude of 6.4. earthquake. Photo: Internet Source
On Tuesday, January 7, 2019, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) warned his territory that following the onslaught of earthquakes in Puerto Rico, the country should be ready for the possibilities of an earthquake hitting the VI and reach out to the local Department of Disaster Management. Photo: VINO/File
On Tuesday, January 7, 2019, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) warned his territory that following the onslaught of earthquakes in Puerto Rico, the country should be ready for the possibilities of an earthquake hitting the VI and reach out to the local Department of Disaster Management. Photo: VINO/File
A home flattened by the seismic activity in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Photo: Facebook
A home flattened by the seismic activity in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Photo: Facebook
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Even as Puerto Rico's residents were already reeling from a series of major temblors including one with a 6.4 magnitude that hit on Tuesday, the country was rocked with another magnitude 5.9 earthquake today, Saturday, January 11, 2020.

Today's latest quake, which came around 9:00 am, is said to have caused even further damage, especially in areas around the southern coast where homes and schools collapsed from the Tuesday's magnitude of 6.4. earthquake. 

5000 now without Power 

Saturday's quake, which was initially calculated at magnitude 6.0, also left roughly 5,000 customers without power, according to the island's power authority.

The latest tremblor comes following more seismic activity yesterday into the today. At 6:26 pm Friday, the US territory was hit with a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, followed by two more; magnitudes 5.0 at 10:34 pm and 4.7 at 12:09 am Saturday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the temblor caused concrete debris from previously damaged buildings to topple into the streetsmainly around the southern areaand further damaging the already fragile building as the territory struggles to regain power. 

'Be Ready' - Premier Fahie 

On Tuesday, January 7, 2019, Virgin Islands (VI) Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) warned his territory that following the onslaught of earthquakes in Puerto Rico, the country should be ready for the possibilities of an earthquake hitting the VI.

He told local residents to reach out to the Department of Disaster Management for more information on how to get ready and the private sector was urged to plans in place. 

"Be ready for the possibility of an earthquake. I, therefore, encourage you to reach out to the DDM through the various communication channels and find out what it takes for you to be ready. DDM on behalf of the Government is monitoring things closely," Hon Fahie said in reminding residents that they live in a seismically active zone. 

He said the territory has a long-standing relationship with the Puerto Rico Seismic Network and the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez and will continue to depend on them to design, implement and monitor the local earthquake network and issue the necessary advisories, watches or warnings for the Territory. 

Aftershocks 

Randy Baldwin, a geophysicist at the US Geological Survey told NBC News that the 6.0 magnitude quake is considered an aftershock along with the several other 5.0 magnitude aftershocks overnight.

“The one this morning is the strongest one” since the big earthquake on Tuesday, he said. 

On Tuesday, Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) reported that at least one person had died, with several others reported injured as a result of the seismic activity this week.

The dead victim was identified as Nelson Martínez, 73, who passed away after a wall that was under construction in his home, in the southern city of Ponce, collapsed during the earthquake. 

18 Responses to “Mag 5.9 aftershock rocks quake-stunned Puerto Rico”

  • Payers (11/01/2020, 16:07) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    Heavenly father with put the BVI before your hands, we do not need these demons of destruction called earthquakes in these islands. amen.
    • Well (11/01/2020, 18:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      Everything else on top the earth is changing and evolving so why not everything beneath it? Everybody head in the clouds instead of being prepared..... As the new planetary body enters this system its magnetic effect (similar to how the moon affects water with gravity) many things on this planet will start to go haywire....storms, earthquakes, fluctuating temps, flooding and drought, animals ending up in places they shouldnt be because of the magnetic polar shifts etc....
      • Say WHAaaaaat? (11/01/2020, 19:15) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        “... the new planetary body entering this system”?
        What the heck are you talking about? Or, what are you smoking?
        • Nibiru (11/01/2020, 20:43) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
          Come on people, let’s use our brains and electronic devices and our bibles to educate ourselves. How about a discussion about Planet X and how the Territory is preparing for its effects. #googleplanetXeffects
          • Say WHAaaaaat?! (11/01/2020, 22:41) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
            Again, I ask, what are you smoking man?

            I don’t care if Larry Page owns an island in the BVI- I don’t believe everything I read on Google!!
          • Really (12/01/2020, 03:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
            Pure joker, none of those things are real.
      • This guy^ (11/01/2020, 20:38) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
        Sounds like someone who believes in NASA the “movie set CGI crew” lol

        NASA in Hebrews our original language means to DECEIVE go figure stop being programmed with bull
    • Ler (11/01/2020, 22:02) Like (8) Dislike (2) Reply
      @ Prayers,the book of Matthew 24:7 states: in the last days perilous times shall come, for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. Jesus already prophesied of all the events that will come upon this earth before he returns. Presently, the nation of Iran is at war with America and we are hearing of arthquakes in different places. This is prophecy being fulfilled. I will admonish us to all get ready and stay ready.
      • strupe (12/01/2020, 09:08) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
        This is not the first time the world is experiencing these things...It always had wars, earthquakes etc etc
      • mercy (12/01/2020, 17:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        @Let you just can't tell the people to get ready. You need to tell themwhat to do to get ready.
  • NezRez (11/01/2020, 19:06) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sad sad sad. Tears for the people in Puerto Rico. One horror after another. The Premier is correct, we better get stocked up now before a major one hit us, and we will be in the same situation as them. I keep stressing to pack an emergency box with water, can goods, tissue, soup, rice soap, wash cloths, batteries, bandaids, etc, just in case my people. We are living in changing times.
  • Stay Woke (11/01/2020, 20:29) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Agenda 2021/2030
  • be ready (12/01/2020, 01:08) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    God is coming very very soon. Brothers and sisters please be ready.
  • vip heckler (12/01/2020, 14:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    my prayers for Porto Rico
  • Diaspora (13/01/2020, 06:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    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, as buildings cannot be completely hurricane 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.


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