US: Opposition march planned in San Juan (Puerto Rico) January 23 /update 8

Event

Several activists have called for a march in San Juan on Thursday, January 23, to demand the resignation of Governor Wanda Vázquez and Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz for their management of the response to recent earthquakes. Participants plan to gather at 17:00 (local time) in front of the Capitol, before marching to Fortaleza Street.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected. Protests are expected to continue in San Juan and other urban centers across Puerto Rico.

Context

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 5.7-magnitude earthquake around 13 km (8 mi) south-southwest of Indios (Guayanilla) on January 6. On January 7, the USGS recorded a 6.4-magnitude earthquake on the island's southern coast. This is the islands largest recorded earthquake since a 7.3-magnitude quake and accompanying tsunami struck Puerto Rico in 1918, killing 116 people. Several aftershocks ranging in magnitudes of 2.0 to 6.5 struck off the southern coast of Puerto Rico over the following days. Puerto Rico's Governor Wanda Vázquez declared a state of emergency on January 7 and activated the National Guard. Recovery efforts are ongoing across the island following significant infrastructural damage.

Advice

Individuals in San Juan, and Puerto Rico more generally, are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow ample travel time, and obey instructions issued by local authorities.