US: 5.8-magnitude earthquake strikes off the coast of Puerto Rico amid power outages January 7 /update 2

Event

The US Geological Survey recorded a 5.8 magnitude earthquake around 1 km (0.6 mi) southwest of Tallaboa (Peñuelas) on Tuesday, January 7. The quake hit at around 07:18 (local time) at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). Infrastructure damage and power outages have been reported as a series of quakes continue to rattle the island. No tsunami warning was issued. Aftershocks are likely to continue over the coming hours and days.

Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vazquez has suspended work for public employees on Monday, though all emergency services are mobilized.

Context

Several aftershocks ranging in magnitudes of 2.0 to 6.5 have struck off the southern coast of Puerto Rico following an initial 5.7-magnitude earthquake on Monday, January 6.

The US Geological Survey recorded a 5.7-magnitude earthquake around 13 km (8 mi) south-southwest of Indios (Guayanilla) on January 6. The quake hit at around 06:32 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 mi). There were no immediate reports of injuries, and no tsunami warning was issued. No significant damages have been reported.

Advice

Individuals in Puerto Rico are advised to monitor the situation 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.