Experts say aftershock likely
from November 30 earthquake
PHILIPSBURG--Experts are predicting an aftershock of about 6.5 on the Richter scale is still to come from the November 29 earthquake, which measured 7.4.
The Government Information Service (GIS) reported Thursday that this was the finding of the team at the Seismic Research Unit of University of the West Indies (UWI).
According to the UWI Seismic Research Unit, aftershock sequences have a general behavioural pattern and certain magnitudes normally associated with earthquakes of the magnitude of the November 29 event have not yet occurred.
Scientists expect that these stronger aftershocks will probably occur at some time in the future. GIS said residents should familiarise themselves with earthquake safety procedures and practice them regularly.
GIS quoted Disaster Coordinator for the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) Fire Commander Winston Salomon as saying his office was making this information available to the public so it wouldn’t be caught off guard should another seismic event of this nature occur.
Salomon said, “We are living in an earthquake-prone region. Hurricanes are predictable, while earthquakes are not. Residents need to know what measures should be taken in the event of an earthquake and they should practice these measures frequently.”
Safety tips include staying calm and not panicking. According to the release, “If inside stay inside, do not run out of the building. If inside, stand in a strong doorway or get under a sturdy desk, table or bed and hold on. Do not use elevators or stairs.”
It is also recommended that people move away from windows, mirrors, glass doors, pictures, bookcases, hanging plants and heavy objects. If outside and there are no obvious signs of danger nearby, stay there, and stay away from glass buildings, electricity poles, and bridges.
If you are in a vehicle at the time of the earthquake, do not stop on or under a bridge. Always look out for falling plaster, bricks, lighting fixtures and other objects.
The November 29 earthquake occurred off the East coast of Martinique at a depth of 88.9 miles, according to the Seismic Research Unit. It was the strongest earthquake event reported since 1974.
