US: Power restored in parts of Puerto Rico January 14 /update 6

Event

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority has announced on Tuesday, January 14, that power has been restored for 99 percent of clients across the island.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday that he will deploy 115 National Guard troops to Puerto Rico to assist in recovery efforts amid the earthquake crisis that has impacted Puerto Rico. Cuomo vowed that other resources will also be deployed.

Commercial and partial power disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days. Further aftershocks are possible over the near term.

Context

Several aftershocks ranging in magnitudes of 2.0 to 6.5 struck off the southern coast of Puerto Rico following an initial 5.7-magnitude earthquake on January 6. On January 7, Puerto Rico's Governor Wanda Vázquez declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard. Recovery efforts are ongoing across the island following significant infrastructural damage.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 5.7-magnitude earthquake around 13 km (8 mi) south-southwest of Indios (Guayanilla) on January 6 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). On Tuesday, the USGS recorded a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on the island's southern coast at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). This is the islands largest recorded earthquake since a 7.3-magnitude quake and accompanying tsunami struck Puerto Rico in 1918, killing 116 people. 

Advice

Individuals in Puerto Rico are advised to monitor the situation, keep battery operated devices charged whenever possible, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, and prepare for potential aftershocks.

In the event of aftershocks, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), move away from the windows, and not attempt to leave a building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from tall buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.