The Puerto Rico Seismic Network (RSPR) recorded this morning an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 with an epicenter in Guayanilla.
Earth movement was recorded at 6:41 a.m. and the depth of its epicenter was 3 kilometers, according to initial information. In addition, the focus of the earthquake was located about 1.84 kilometers (km) north-northwest of Guayanilla and 6.34 km east of Yauco.
The event did not require the issuance of any tsunami advisory, warning, or watch.
The director of the RSPR, Víctor Huérfano, told the press that this tremor is related to the seismic sequence that has been active in the south-southwest of Puerto Rico since December 28, 2019.
“The intensity we have right now is II to III (Modified Mercalli Scale, MM) in the western area, but of course that can vary a bit. An IV intensity is likely in the epicentral area. At this time, we have no reports of damage. The truth is that they would not be expected (damages), but we must wait for Emergency Management to corroborate that information, ”he pointed out.
“These events are already typical in this type of activity and it is what we have observed today: a felt event from time to time. And that type of (seismic) activity will continue like this, a little longer,” added the expert.
Users on social media reported having felt the earthquake in San Juan, Guayanilla, San Germán, Ponce, Mayagüez, among other towns. In fact, it is important that the population reports this type of earthquake through the RSPR portal to expand the seismic and geological analysis that is done every time an event like this occurs, which is perceived throughout a large part of the island. .
Huérfano pointed out that, most of the reports they had received regarding the earthquake were concentrated in the western half of the island.
“It is possible that during the morning we will receive reports from other regions, but as they move away (from the epicenter) the intensity of the earthquake decreases,” he said.
Watch the video:
