So, picture this: it’s a sunny Monday afternoon on our little island paradise, and I’m minding my own business, catching some sun, sipping a refreshing coconut drink on the beach. Life couldn’t get any better, right? Well, guess again! Out of nowhere, the ground beneath me starts doing a wild dance, and I find myself in the middle of my very first island earthquake. Talk about a plot twist!
On Monday afternoon, a somewhat uncommon event unfolded as a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck the North Atlantic Ocean at approximately 4:30 pm. The unexpected tremors left a couple of friends island to the north in a state of shock and uncertainty. As I reflect on my experience, I didn’t really feel much to speak of on the west side of St. Croix.
According to the US Geological Survey, this earthquake was relatively shallow, with a depth of only 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles). The proximity of the quake to our island lessened its impact, causing minor vibrations. On the west side of St Croix, we saw some exasperated surf and some minor tide fluctuations, it is always a stark reminder of the raw power of nature.
A second earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 occurred just over half an hour later at 5:00 pm. Nothing much to speak of was encountered on St. Croix although the weather alerts on my phone did sound off alarmingly…better to be safe than sorry I suppose. Some good tips to prepare for such an event can be seen here.
In the aftermath, it is natural to wonder how we can better prepare ourselves for future unpredictable events. One of the most crucial steps we can take is to secure our homes in advance. Ensuring that heavy objects are not placed in areas where they could pose a danger or cause damage is essential. Additionally, storing breakable items at lower levels may be prudent, reducing the risk of them falling and shattering during an earthquake. The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) offers valuable tips that are specific to our territory and worth reviewing, even if you believe you are adequately prepared.
My only concern being a relative newbie on the island and knowing its proximity to the quake was the possibility of tsunami-like conditions. VITEMA will promptly issue separate alerts to ensure our safety. I highly recommend signing up for VITEMA alerts to stay informed and receive these crucial alerts. Your preparedness could make all the difference in times of crisis.
So, my fellow islanders, let’s take a moment to laugh about our shaky adventure. Life may throw us curveballs, or in this case, earthquakes, but with a sense of humor and some basic preparedness, we’ll be rocking and rolling through anything that comes our way. Stay safe, keep smiling, and remember, island life is always full of surprises!
Seems this “periodical” is just getting started??
Thank you for the update, very helpful advise written with a sense of humor yet very informative.