14 Jul 2021 | 10:12 AM UTC
Guam: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs in Pacific Ocean July 14
Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs south of Guam at around 19:24 July 14. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Event
A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean south of Guam at around 19:24 July 14. The epicenter was about 168 km (104 miles) south of Merizo, Guam. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and weak to light 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.
The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
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.