4.6 quake rocks Anguilla

A 4.6 magnitude earthquake just off Anguilla shook the island and other parts of the northern Leeward Islands late yesterday, creating a scare for some residents in the British territory.

However, there were no reports of damage or injuries in the region.

The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWISEISMIC) recorded a magnitude of 4.6 and a depth of 84 kilometres, when it struck around 5.29 p.m. on Wednesday.

It was located eight kilometres east-south-east of Anguilla, one of the most northerly of the Leeward Islands.

UWISEISMIC said the quake was reported as felt in the most northerly Leeward Islands of Anguilla, St. Maarten and St. Kitts. There were several reports of tremors being felt as far south as Antigua.

UWI earth scientists have repeatedly warned that the Eastern Caribbean is “overdue” for a significant earthquake that may likely be catastrophic, unless earthquake-resistant building practices are adopted and residents learn how to act when an earthquake strikes.

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