A swarm of earthquakes near Barbuda over the weekend has prompted Montserrat’s disaster preparedness experts to issue a reminder about safety measures.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre said the swarm, recorded mainly to the east of the island, lasted four days from 15 to 19 November and included 82 seismic events.
Of those, seven were large enough to be felt, with two reaching magnitude 4.8, which are ‘light’ earthquakes. Five occurred within a span of just 13 hours.
Most events were smaller than magnitude 2.9, which is below the threshold for posting to the UWI Seismic Research Centre’s social media platforms and interactive map.
In a Facebook post on 20 November, Montserrat Disaster Management Coordination Agency said the area to the east of Barbuda is one of the region’s most seismically active zones.
“Due to Montserrat’s proximity to Barbuda, residents should be prepared to feel earthquakes of varying sizes that occur in this area. Remember to prepare, plan, and practice,” it read.
The post went on to say that the UWI Seismic Research Centre clarified that the term ‘earthquake swarm’ can apply to tectonic earthquakes, such as those occurring near Barbuda
However, it can also be used for smaller earthquakes that occur at volcanos and are one of the main signs of volcanic unrest.
Nearly two months ago, the Montserrat Volcano Observatory recorded 43 volcano tectonic earthquakes and one hybrid earthquake on the island.
The number of earthquakes between 27 September and 4 October was the third highest since the current pause in volcanic activity began in February 2010.
Two thirds – 28 – of those earthquakes occurred in brief swarms on 28 and 29 September. They were relatively small, with the largest having a magnitude of 2.2.
The Montserrat Volcano Observatory’s latest report states that volcanic activity at Soufrière Hills remains low.
Guidance on how to plan and prepare for earthquakes is available on the UWI Seismic Research Centre website here.
Guidance on how to plan and prepare for volcanic activity is available on the Montserrat Volcano Observatory website here.
