More than 30 aftershocks in Trinidad following mega quake

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – More than 30 tremors have been recorded in Trinidad and Tobago since Tuesday’s 7.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked the oil-rich twin island republic causing widespread damage, the Seismic Research Centre at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies has reported.

It said that latest quake, with a magnitude of 4.0 occurred Thursday at around 6: 44 a.m. (local time) and was located at 10.68°N and 62.98°W at a depth of 70km.

The centre said 37 aftershocks have been recorded since Tuesday and dismissed reports circulating that persons were predicting future earthquakes to hit the country.

“Earthquakes cannot be predicted,” it said, noting that after the mega quake earlier this week “aftershocks have occurred and will continue to occur in the coming days and weeks”.

The Association of Trinidad and Tobago Insurance Companies said Thursday that while, like the rest of the country, it is relieved that there have been no reports of serious injury and loss of life, there have been reports of “some damage to property”.

“Whilst we are thankful that the country has been spared any major devastation associated with an earthquake of this magnitude, we take this opportunity to remind the public of the importance of having proper coverage against these and other risks and wish to advise policyholders on the steps in submitting a claim in the event that damages were incurred,” the umbrella insurance group said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operations Centre said it is currently coordinating assessments of primarily all critical infrastructure, government buildings, and roadways, subsequent to the earthquake.

The agency said it was also warning against the “creation and circulation of fake content…which can cause unnecessary panic or concern to citizens and visitors.

“As citizens, we must continue to display patriotism by looking out for one another,” it said, adding that priority is being given to the completion of the Initial Damage Assessment and Damage and Needs Analysis across all sectors, with the focus being directed to governmental/ government-used critical facilities, and other building stock.

“The Ministry of Works and Transport has actively initiated inspection of critical facilities. Additionally, the ministry is coordinating and implementing a national response team consisting of qualified and experienced personnel in building infrastructure.

“This team was dispatched across all municipalities on a priority basis to determine the structural safety of government buildings for occupancy,” it said.

In the meantime, the two Cathedrals in the capital, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Holy Trinity Cathedral, which suffered earthquake damage have been closed for repairs.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.