Jamaica rattled by earthquake

 

Sections of Jamaica were rattled Monday morning by a strong earthquake which damaged buildings and sent items flying off shelves in homes and business establishments.

 

According to the United States Geological Survey, the magnitude 5.4 earthquake was felt at 10:57.

 

The tremor was also felt in The Bahamas, Haiti, Cuba and United States Minor Outlying Islands.

 

The earthquake was located 30 kilometres from Kingston.

 

Electricity and telecommunications services have been disrupted as a result of the tremor.

 

When contacted, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Richard Thompson told Radio Jamaica News that he was preparing to brief Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the situation.

 

 

Meanwhile, court matters in downtown Kingston have been adjourned due to this morning's earthquake.

 

Chief Justice Brian Sykes said the buildings were evacuated according to emergency protocols.

 

Justice Sykes said this morning's quake has reinforced the need for a review of disaster drills.

 

"This experience is a real-time experience, so there are still some things that we have to work out. So we will be reviewing that and then preparing to handle it even better going forward. Because when you have the simulation and the drills, yes, many persons take it seriously, but some don't. But this was the real thing now. So happily, it is not more serious," he said.

 

An assessment for structural damage is being undertaken at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal buildings. 

 

Justice Sykes said matters should resume Tuesday, "assuming it is safe to do so". 

 

The Jamaica Constabulary Force's Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch is urging the public to be cautious when approaching traffic lights rendered inoperable following the earthquake. 

 

Assistant Commissioner Gary McKenzie, head of PSTEB, said the police are awaiting the assessment, checks and restoration of the traffic signals by the relevant authorities.

 

In the interim, police officers have been sent to direct traffic at some intersections.

 

"We have already dispatched police personnel to man the major intersections, as we know that this will cause problems for traffic flow. However, it is important to know that the police will not be able to man all the intersections. Hence, it is very important for motorists to be cooperative and to be courteous. It is best to adopt a first-come-first-serve system as we seek to ensure that we manage the traffic flow and maintain order," he advised.