20 Dec 2022 | 01:10 AM UTC
Magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurs near Antigua and Barbuda at around 02:33 AST Dec. 20. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Informational
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communications/technology
transportation
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Event
A magnitude-5.2 offshore earthquake occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean near Antigua and Barbuda at around 02:33 AST Dec. 20. The epicenter was about 96 km (60 miles) east of Codrington. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and moderate to light shaking was probably felt throughout Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Sint Martin. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.
Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake’s epicenter.
Advice
Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides. Out of an abundance of caution, consider moving away from low-lying coastal areas until local authorities confirm that no local tsunami threat exists.
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