Earthquakes jolt BVI, residents told to remain calm

The Puerto Rico Seismic Network said seven earthquakes occurred within hours of each other Saturday night.

ROAD TOWN, BVI, Monday November 14, 2011 - Virgin Islanders were urged to remain calm after a series of minor earthquakes jolted the British Overseas Territory Saturday.

Seven earthquakes occurred within hours of each other near the BVI, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) said.

The first was reported at 7:06 pm and tremors continued until 11:45 pm.

The earthquakes measured between 3.52 and 4.6 magnitude on the Richter scale.

The Puerto Rico Seismic Network said it received no reports of damage.

The DDM has sought to allay concerns. It reminded the BVI community that the territory is vulnerable to earthquakes as it is located in a seismically active zone.

Residents were also told to practice standard earthquake safety measures.

The DDM added, “during an earthquake the more you move the more likely you are to be hurt, so refrain from entering or exiting a building at the time of the impact.”

Persons who felt the earthquake were asked to assist the DDM and the Puerto Rico Seismic Network in determining its intensity by logging on to their websites. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)