Earthquake

Published 26th November, 9:27am

At 1.16 am local time on Friday November 26, 2010 an earthquake measuring 4.7 Magnitude occurred 33 miles south southwest of George Town or 36 miles south of Bodden Town at coordinates 19.859 N, 81 deg 35.28 min W. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.2 miles.

911 has received no reports of injuries or damage to structures. No tsunami warning was issued from this event.

Earthquakes do occur from time to time in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands as we are located near to the boundary of the North American plate, with the Caribbean plate sliding past to the south.

In December 2004 a 6.8 magnitude earthquake occurred 20 miles to the south of Grand Cayman. Since the formation of HMCI in 2006 the agency has embarked on a proactive public education campaign to raise awareness of the earthquake threat in the Cayman Islands. Earthquake drills have been conducted involving both private and public sector entities and the program has also been instituted in Government schools.

If any business organisations, schools or other entities would like to have HMCI perform an earthquake education session or drill to better prepare for this type of impact then please contact Simon Boxall or Omar Afflick at HMCI (Telephone 526 2027).

For further information contact: Simon Boxall