UWI Seismic Research Centre reports 32 aftershocks, more anticipated

There were 32 aftershocks following the earthquake on Tuesday afternoon, and more are expected. Citizens are asked to remain calm and be alert.

The quake that hit Venezuela, affected many Caribbean Community  (CARICOM) Member States including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Dominica, Grenada, Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia. There are no reports of serious injury, loss of life, or significant damage to critical infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago, which appeared to be the worst affected Member State.

The University of the West Indies has confirmed that there were 32 aftershocks that were distributed evenly between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.

A press release from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management of Trinidad and Tobago (ODPMTT) warned that aftershocks would continue.

Aftershocks will continue and some may be at a magnitude large enough to be felt. Citizens are reminded to STAY CALM”, the ODPMTT said.

The release said that the The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of Trinidad and Tobago is currently coordinating assessments of all critical infrastructure, government buildings and roadways.

“Priority has been given to the completion of the Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) and Damage and Needs Analysis (DANA) across all sectors, with the focus being directed to governmental/ government-used critical facilities, and other building stock. The Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) has actively initiated inspection of critical facilities. Additionally, the MOWT is coordinating and implementing a national response team consisting of qualified and experienced personnel in building infrastructure. This team was dispatched across all municipalities on a priority basis to determine the structural safety of government buildings for occupancy,”the press release said.

Inspections of more than 60 buildings were continuing on Thursday.