A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Virgin Islands at about 5:21 p.m. this evening, according to Sharleen DaBreo, the director of the Department of Disaster Management.
The department received notification of the earthquake from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, which did not issue a tsunami warning, watch or advisory following the event, Ms. DaBreo noted.
The earthquake was located 16 miles west of Anegada, at the coordinates 18.8 degrees North and 64.7 degrees West, according to the director. It had a depth of ten miles.
“We’ve received reports of things falling off shelves,” she said. “Furniture moving.”
DDM was also informed of shaking within buildings, Ms. DaBreo added.
Further updates will be posted on DDM’s website at bviddm.com.
In February, the department issued a warning about what to do during an earthquake.
“During an earthquake it is important to stay calm, if you are inside stay there, move away from ceiling fans, glass windows and doors or anything that may fall,” the department stated.
“Get under a desk or sturdy piece of furniture cover your head and hold on. If outdoors, move into an open area away from trees, building, or utility wires and poles. During an earthquake the more you move the more likely you are to be hurt, so refrain from entering or exiting a building at the time of the impact.”