Strong 6.7-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Eastern Caribbean
A powerful 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck the Eastern Caribbean on Monday morning, sending tremors across several islands including Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Antigua and Barbuda.
According to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC), the quake occurred at 8:38 a.m. local time (12:38 UTC) at a shallow depth of 12 kilometers. The epicenter was located near latitude 16.50°N and longitude 59.55°W — about 222 kilometers east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe; 244 kilometers northeast of Roseau, Dominica; and 264 kilometers east-southeast of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Residents across the region reported feeling strong shaking that lasted several seconds. There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage.
The UWI Seismic Research Centre, based in Trinidad and Tobago, continues to monitor the situation and emphasized that the location and magnitude are preliminary and may be updated following further analysis.
The Eastern Caribbean sits along the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.
EARLIER REPORT
Residents across Antigua and Barbuda felt a sharp jolt Monday morning as tremors from a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook parts of the Eastern Caribbean.
The quake struck around 8:38 a.m., according to regional seismic monitors, with an epicentre roughly 161 kilometres off Marigot, Dominica. Shaking was reported across Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Antigua and Barbuda.
In Antigua, the tremor was widely felt in St. John’s, Bolans, All Saints, and neighbouring areas, lasting close to 45 seconds. Residents described furniture rattling and light fixtures swaying during the brief but intense shaking.
No damage or injuries have been reported so far, but authorities are monitoring the situation for possible aftershocks.
The Eastern Caribbean lies along the boundary between the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, one of the world’s most active seismic zones. This morning’s quake is a reminder of the region’s ongoing earthquake risk and the need for continued preparedness.