The Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies will be observing Earthquake Awareness from January 10th to 15th January 2022, and commemorating the fatal Earthquake, which devastated Haiti twelve years ago on January 12, 2010. According to the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Country Risk Profile for the TCI, the islands are vulnerable to earthquake and tsunami risks, but at a low to moderate level. Earthquakes cannot be predicted with any level of accuracy and we cannot prevent them from occurring. However, we can be prepared to respond to an earthquake event whether it be in the TCI or abroad.
We must consider the TCI’s geographical location. The Puerto Rico Trench, (which is an active plate boundary between North American and Caribbean Plates) an active plate boundary, which makes the TCI vulnerable as it is located approximately 150 kilometers to the north of the Trench. Moreover, the Caribbean is a very active seismic region. Home to three live volcanoes, over a thousand earthquakes happen annually, although the magnitude of many are too small to be felt. This region has experienced major earthquake events which have triggered several tsunamis warnings. To bring it closer to home; this season marks 12 years since TCI was issued a tsunami warning as of a result of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti.
As the department continues to work towards Comprehensive Disaster Management, and raising awareness on all hazards, during this week we place emphasis on Earthquake Hazards Mitigation.
You cannot stop an earthquake, but you can lessen the effects of that earthquake -thus protecting your home, your life, and your family. Don’t make the mistake of thinking, “Well, there’s nothing I can do anyhow; if it comes, it comes.” You can make your house safer by applying building codes and securing lose and heavy items.
When the TCI Building Codes, are obeyed by ordinary citizens, developers and construction industry practitioners, then Earthquake Awareness Week will have real meaning. Together we can improve our response time, and strengthen our infrastructural resilience and overall national preparedness. The DDME encourages you to do your part and be Earthquake Smart.
REMEMBER! When an earthquake is felt:
Wherever you are when an earthquake starts, take cover immediately. Move a few steps to a nearby safe place if need be. Stay there until the shaking stops.
If you are indoors: “DROP, COVER, HOLD ON”
Stay inside.
Drop under heavy furniture such as a table, desk, bed or any solid furniture.
Cover your head and torso to prevent being hit by falling objects.
Hold onto the object that you are under so that you remain covered.
If you can’t get under something strong, or if you are in a hallway, flatten yourself or crouch against an interior wall.
If you are driving, stop your vehicle in a safe location and wait until the shaking stops. ‘
After the shaking stops, evacuate buildings and wait for aftershocks. Move well away from buildings, brick walls, and overhead signs, lights, and power lines.
Do not go sightseeing or enter damaged buildings. Stay calm and help others if possible.
Listen for warnings from DDME before moving.
Always have a Family Emergency Plan.
Earthquakes and other hazards can happen anytime and anywhere so be prepared. Be Earthquake Smart!
