15 May 2024 | 01:27 AM UTC
Puerto Rico: Magnitude-5.6 offshore earthquake strikes northwest of Puerto Rico at around 20:30 May 14
Magnitude-5.6 offshore earthquake strikes northwest of Puerto Rico at around 20:30 May 14. No initial reports of damage or injuries.
A magnitude-5.6 earthquake struck offshore northwest of Puerto Rico at about 20:30 May 14. The epicenter was approximately 92 km (57 miles) north-northwest of San Antonio. The quake struck at a depth of 7 km (4 miles), and moderate to light shaking was likely felt throughout Puerto Rico and eastern Dominican Republic. 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 likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
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.
Consider vacating multistory or unreinforced buildings in areas near the epicenter until authorities assess their structural integrity. Due to the potential for landslides, seek updated information on road conditions before driving in elevated areas in the affected region. Anticipate localized transport disruptions, as authorities are likely to inspect infrastructure for damage after aftershocks.
