Jamaica hit by 7.7 magnitude earthquake
A massive earthquake has struck off the coast of Jamaica.
The quake, which had a magnitude of 7.7, hit 117 kilometres northwest of the coastal town of Lucea, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said on Wednesday morning (EAST).
The quake was at a depth of about 10 kilometres, according to the USGS.
It was initially reported by the USGS as being a 7.3 magnitude quake, but this was later upgraded to 7.7 magnitude.
A M7.7 has been reported northwest of Jamaica. It appears to be the transform fault boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. pic.twitter.com/jpVq5fmtJg
— Dr. Lucy Jones (@DrLucyJones) January 28, 2020
A tsunami warning has been issued for Jamaica.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says “Hazardous tsunami waves are possible” for nearby coastal areas.
Waves up to one metre above tide level are possible along some coasts of Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Cayman Islands.
It is not immediately clear if there was any damage or injuries. “There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage,” the USGS said on its website.
In Cuba, officials said there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Belkis Guerrero, who works in the Cuban city of Santiago, said the quake could be felt strongly.
“We were all sitting and we felt the chairs move. We heard the noise of everything moving around,” she told the Associated Press. “It felt very strong but it doesn't look like anything happened.”
The quake also hit strongly in the nearby Cayman Islands, reportedly leaving cracked roads and what appeared to be sewage waste spilling from pipes, AP reported.
The quake was also felt in the United States with a building in downtown Miami evacuated due to shaking from the earthquake.
LIVE: Building in downtown Miami evacuated due to shaking after an earthquake near Jamaica and Cuba was felt as far away as Miami. https://t.co/m4L3aI82ub
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) January 28, 2020
I must be tripping balls because I'm in Miami but I could swear I just felt an earthquake. The whole damn building was swaying 🤔
— Howard Brilliant (@HDBtweets) January 28, 2020
Police in Miami reported receiving phone calls about buildings shaking, and a number of buildings were evacuated, reported NBC 6 South Florida.
Shortly after 7am, AEST, Miami police tweeted that they were assisting fire crews with reports of vibrations in downtown areas, saying there were no road closures.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
