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 Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 11:16 am Post subject: |
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Just found this on caycompass.com
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Earthquake strikes near Cayman
19 January 10
A 5.8 Magnitude earthquake was felt all around Grand Cayman – as well as other areas in the Caribbean - at 9.23am Tuesday.
According to officials with Hazard Management Cayman Islands, the quake struck about 32 miles east-southeast of Bodden Town at a depth of 6.2 miles.
HAZ-MAN Cayman Islands Deputy Director Omar Afflick said there were no tsunamis expected in the wake of the earthquake.
“We experienced, at the very least, a tremor,” said local meteorologist John Tibbetts.
Mr. Afflick said several government buildings were evacuated immediately following the quake, including some schools.
There were no immediate reports of damage, although phone lines were down across Grand Cayman for a brief time.
The Montessori school of Cayman on South Church Street, George Town was closing around 10am.
“As a precautionary measure, and as our children are so young, we’re going to close the school until further notification,” said Lucy Brewer, directress of Montessori School of Cayman, which has 30 pre-school children between ages two and four.
Department of Education Services Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler said that when the tremor hit, schools immediately followed procedure and evacuated students outside, but once the all clear was given, classes were to resume.
Mrs. Wahler was at a meeting in Savannah when the tremor hit, and said the group felt two shocks within a minute of each other. No-one was hurt and no damage occurred.
She says schools remain open.
“Classes have not been dismissed, but any parents who wish to collect their children of course may do so,” Ms Wahler said.
“There has not been any significant damage reported, however, we will now be sending our facilities staff in to do a more thorough inspection of the buildings.”
At 10 am Tuesday, the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, McCleary Frederick, said that residents could return to offices and homes.
“Obviously in light of what has happened in Haiti, our residents are very sensitive to this type of occurrence,” Mr. Frederick said. “We are fortunate that the Cayman Islands appear to have come through unscathed, but it is reminder for everyone that they need to know how to respond during an earthquake. In particular it is important to duck under a strong piece of furniture, or at least protect the head with arms.
“If any business organisations, schools or other entities would like to have HMCI perform an earthquake education session or drill to better prepare for this type of impact then please contact Simon Boxall or Omar Afflick at HMCI (Telephone 526 2027)”
Cayman Islands Fire Service Chief Officer Dennom Bodden said he felt the quake in his office on the second floor of the fire service headquarters at the airport.
Fire crews immediately moved themselves and their emergency trucks out of the building in case the need to respond to 911 calls arose.
Thirty minutes after the quake, Mr. Bodden said the fire service hadn’t received a single call.
“But the minute you fell that, you get your vehicles outside the station,” Mr. Bodden said. “As soon as I felt it, I knew it was an earthquake.”
In the Cricket Square office complex, located in central George Town, office workers were shaken up.
“It was so scary I could not believe what was happening, considering what has happened in Haiti,” said Abigail Thompson, who works at UBS.
Other office buildings in George Town, closed down following the quake’s impact.
Cayman Islands Port officials said there was no major damage in the waterfront area and that cruise ship tourists were going about their normal routine.
“I was out on the pier when this happened, and it was sort of like a gentle wave,” said Port Operations Manager Joseph Woods.
Mr. Woods said Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines officials had called to check in with Cayman Islands officials, but did not remove any passengers or ships.
According to reports around the Caribbean, the shocks from the quake were felt in Miami, Cuba and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
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Looks like all is well.
Char |
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