Jamaica’s earthquake/tsunami response remains robust
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 9:58 AM
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) says Jamaica’s tsunami response protocol was triggered at the weekend.
However, it said data supplied by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not indicate a threat that warranted the issuance of a tsunami watch or warning.
The tsunami response protocol followed an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.21 miles), which occurred some 209 kilometres SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands, on Saturday, February 8.
Speaking to JIS News, Acting Director General at ODPEM, Richard Thompson, stressed that had it been warranted, the ODPEM would have issued a tsunami watch and subsequent warning, accompanied by evacuation notices and other relevant safety tips to citizens.
“We understand that the public always wants information, but if the situation does not reach the level where a tsunami has been generated, then there is really no need for a public advisory,” he added.