In recent years, the beautiful island of Jamaica has faced its fair share of natural disasters, but the potential threat of a major earthquake is one that has experts and citizens alike on edge. This year alone, the island has experienced approximately 165 local earthquakes, with only 10 being strong enough to be felt by residents. However, it was the magnitude 5.3 earthquake that struck on Friday, August 16, 2024, that sent shockwaves across the nation—both literally and figuratively.
A Wake-Up Call for Jamaica
The earthquake on August 16, with its epicenter just 6 kilometers northwest of Golden Spring in St. Andrew, was felt island-wide. Although there were no reports of severe damage, the tremor served as a stark reminder of Jamaica's vulnerability to seismic activity. Professor Simon Mitchell, a leading expert in Sedimentary Geology at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, has voiced concerns that this recent quake, along with others in the past year, may have added stress to the fault lines in and around Jamaica. This stress could potentially trigger a much larger earthquake, one that could exceed a magnitude of seven.
“Jamaica has a history of devastating earthquakes, and the recent tremors suggest that we could be in for a significant event. While we cannot predict exactly when it will happen, the data indicates that the island should prepare for the possibility of a major earthquake,” Professor Mitchell warned.
Historical Perspective: Lessons from the Past
Jamaica's recorded history is littered with instances of powerful and destructive earthquakes. The most infamous of these is the Port Royal earthquake of June 7, 1692. This catastrophic event saw a significant portion of the town of Port Royal—once known as the “wickedest city on Earth”—sink into the sea. The earthquake, which modern estimates place at a magnitude of 7.5, resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people, not just from the quake itself but also from a subsequent outbreak of yellow fever.
Another significant earthquake in Jamaica’s history occurred on January 14, 1907. Known as the Great Kingston Quake, it had a magnitude of 6.2 and caused widespread destruction in the capital city. Over 1,000 people lost their lives, mainly due to fires that broke out following the initial tremor. The economic impact was devastating, with damages estimated at over £2 million (equivalent to approximately £308 million today). The quake left 9,000 people homeless and forever changed the landscape of Kingston.
Fast forward to March 1, 1957, when another powerful earthquake struck Western Jamaica, particularly affecting the parish of St. James. With a magnitude of 6.2, it caused significant damage to infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, and roads. Although it resulted in fewer fatalities—three people lost their lives—the impact on the local economy and daily life was substantial.
These historical events underscore the ever-present risk of earthquakes in Jamaica and the importance of being prepared.
The Current State of Preparedness
Despite the island’s long history with earthquakes, modern-day Jamaica has seen relatively few major seismic events. However, the increasing frequency of smaller tremors is raising concerns among experts. The Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, has been diligently monitoring seismic activity on the island. The unit, which began with the installation of Jamaica’s first modern seismograph station in the 1960s, now operates a network of stations that provide crucial data on earthquake epicenters and focal depths.
Yet, monitoring alone is not enough. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) plays a vital role in raising awareness and educating the public on how to respond in the event of an earthquake. Each year, ODPEM observes Earthquake Awareness Week, a campaign aimed at promoting earthquake readiness through the theme “Drop, Cover, Hold… Earthquake Readiness Is Within Your Control.”
The Jamaican government and disaster management agencies have also been working to improve building codes and enforce construction standards that are designed to withstand seismic activity. However, there remains a significant portion of the population living in informal settlements with structures that may not meet these standards. This raises concerns about the potential human cost should a major earthquake strike.
The Broader Context: Natural Disasters in Jamaica
Jamaica’s susceptibility to natural disasters extends beyond earthquakes. The island is also prone to hurricanes, and just last month, the country was battered by Hurricane Beryl, one of the most powerful storms in recent history. The Category 4 hurricane caused billions of dollars in damage, particularly in the southern and western parishes. Over 160,000 people, including 37,000 children, were affected, with many losing their homes and livelihoods.
The impact of Hurricane Beryl highlights the importance of a comprehensive disaster preparedness strategy that addresses all potential risks, including earthquakes. The need for emergency shelters, access to clean water and medical supplies, and the ability to quickly repair and rebuild infrastructure are critical components of this strategy.
Moving Forward: What Can Jamaicans Do?
In light of the potential threat of a major earthquake, it is crucial for Jamaicans to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. Here are some key actions that everyone can take:
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with information from the Earthquake Unit and ODPEM. Participate in community awareness programs and drills.
- Secure Your Home: Ensure that your home is structurally sound and complies with earthquake-resistant building codes. If you live in an older or informal structure, consider making necessary improvements.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Have a readily accessible emergency kit that includes essential items such as water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.
- Develop a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss with your family what to do in the event of an earthquake. Identify safe spots in your home, such as under sturdy furniture, and practice “Drop, Cover, Hold” drills.
- Know Your Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with the safest routes to exit your home and community in case of a major earthquake.
- Support Community Preparedness: Get involved in local disaster preparedness initiatives and support efforts to strengthen community resilience.
Conclusion: The Time to Act is Now
Jamaica’s history is a testament to the destructive power of earthquakes. While we cannot predict exactly when or where the next major quake will strike, the recent increase in seismic activity suggests that it is only a matter of time. By learning from the past and taking action today, Jamaicans can reduce the impact of a future earthquake and protect lives, property, and the island's rich cultural heritage.
As we reflect on the lessons of history and the warnings from experts, it is clear that earthquake preparedness is not just a responsibility of the government but of every individual. The time to act is now—before the next big one hits.