The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is in the process of determining the costs associated with the damage received from this morning’s (Saturday) earthquake.

According to the UWI Seismic Research Centre that monitors earthquake activity in the Eastern Caribbean, the quake occurred at 10:50 and was also felt in Montserrat, Guadeloupe and as far north as Tortola.

UWI Seismic had initially reported that the earthquake measured 6.5 but has since revised its information and is now reporting it as a magnitude 6.4 incident.

There was no significant tsunami threat.

It further stated that aftershocks could be expected and some of these may be magnitude 3.5 and above and are likely to be felt.

Here in Antigua and Barbuda, there were no reports of injuries and District Disaster Coordinators, who volunteer on behalf of NODS in the various communities, have been on the ground verifying reports of damage.

NODS has been in contact with the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce to find out how businesses were affected. This information will be provided to the public as soon as it is available. NODS has also been in communication with its sub-regional territories for which Antigua and Barbuda has responsibility. These are St. Kitts/Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, the BVI and St Martin.

NODS is encouraging residents or businesses that would have experienced damage from this morning’s earthquake to make a report to the office at 462-4206. The disaster office is also reminding residents to practise the drop, cover and hold whenever there is an earthquake.