Jamaica Shaken by 5.4 Magnitude Earthquake: UN Meeting Interrupted by Powerful Quake

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Jamaica, which occurred at a shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers) and was situated approximately 2 miles (4 kilometers) west-northwest of Hope Bay.

Such seismic occurrences are no stranger to the region due to its geological positioning. Nevertheless, the startling event sent shockwaves through the populace, causing people to hastily evacuate buildings, desperately seeking refuge from the violent tremors.

Fortunately, the immediate aftermath brought no reports of injuries or significant structural damage.

The earthquake happned when the United Nations’ International Seabed Authority had convened on the island, and attendees found themselves caught on camera as they urgently evacuated the meeting venue due to the quake. The live broadcast abruptly cut off, and it was not until later in the afternoon that the group reconvened, deciding to postpone their meeting to allow the shaken attendees time to regain their composure.

Elza Moreira Marcelino de Castro, Brazil’s representative at the meeting, encapsulated the general sentiment by stating, “We need some time to adjust emotionally.” The emotional impact of the quake lingered in the collective consciousness.

As the earthquake shook the island, chaos ensued in local supermarkets. Food, wine bottles, and various items flew off the shelves, creating an additional layer of disruption. Reports of minor structural damage to buildings further underscored the quake’s powerful impact.

During this tumultuous episode, an unidentified journalist was on the air in Jamaica. He calmly reported the unfolding situation, saying, “We’re having an earthquake.” However, as the tremors intensified, his composure waned, and he exclaimed, “Oh, God,” before seeking shelter beneath a nearby desk, his fear palpable.

While Jamaica experiences small earthquakes regularly, with around 200 occurring each year, larger ones are relatively rare. The historical record includes the devastating Port Royal earthquake of 1692, where a portion of the town sank into the sea. In 1907, a catastrophic quake struck the capital, Kingston, claiming over 1,000 lives. Another significant earthquake was reported in March 1957, primarily affecting western Jamaica, as noted by the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica.

Jamaica shares the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone with Haiti and the Dominican Republic, a geological reality that underscores the seismic activity in the region, as confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey.