Quake hits Jamaica's east

According to the United States Geographical Survey (USGS), the quake occurred around 4:29 am local time, about 16 miles east northeast of the capital, Kingston. (Image: USGS)

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Friday May 6, 2011 – A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck east of Jamaica this morning. Despite residents reporting that the tremor felt strong, there have been no reports of any damages so far.

According to the United States Geographical Survey (USGS), the quake occurred around 4:29 am local time, about 16 miles east northeast of the capital, Kingston and 90 miles east southeast of Montego Bay.

It was felt mostly in the capital, St. Andrew, St. Thomas, Portland, St. Catherine and St. Mary.

Residents in those areas reported on Facebook and Twitter that the tremor lasted for as long as 10 seconds.

Many said it was a frightening experience.

“That was a scary tremor. Could the big one be closer than we think,” one Facebook poster wrote. 

Another said they felt the tremor “very hard” and one man said it was so strong it woke him from sleep.

Did you feel it? Email your report to info@caribbean360.com or post on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/caribbean360. 

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