13 Feb 2021 | 04:37 AM UTC
Guam: Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs southwest of Guam at around 1402 ChST Feb. 13
Magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurs southwest of Guam, at around 1402 ChST Feb. 13. No initial reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.0 earthquake occurred in south southwest of Guam at around 1402 ChST Feb. 13. The epicenter was about 191 km (118 miles) south southwest of Merizo. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 25 km (16 miles), and weak shaking was probably felt throughout Guam. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible over the coming days.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.
Advice
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.