5.4 Earthquake Hits Jamaica, No Reported Deaths Or Casualties So Far

by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton

October 30, 2023

An earthquake has occurred on the island of Jamaica, but according to the prime minister, there have been no reports of death, injuries, or serious damage thus far.

The Associated Press reports an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the island on Oct. 30. The tremor’s epicenter was about 2 miles (4 kilometers) west-northwest of Hope Bay in northeastern Jamaica, based on a report by the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred at a shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers).

The earthquake knocked traffic lights offline, and police officers were sent to control traffic at the intersections.

People attending a meeting at the U.N.’s International Seabed Authority were seen on camera panicking as the earthquake occurred. The attendees returned to the meeting, but it was postponed to a later time due to fear of the earthquake and its aftermath. 

“We need some time to adjust emotionally,” said Elza Moreira Marcelino de Castro, Brazil’s representative.

The tremor sparked fear on the island, with some people rushed to hospitals for panic attacks.

The Jamaican Gleaner reported in September that the island was hit with a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. The effects were reportedly felt in Cuba and parts of the United States.