Jean Marc Rampersad
A 4.9-magnitude earthquake shook Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday afternoon, the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre (UWI‑SRC) confirmed.
The tremor struck at 4:20 p.m., with its epicentre located 67 km north‑north‑east of Port of Spain and 73 km west of Scarborough, at a depth of 20 km. According to UWI‑SRC social media posts, shaking was felt as far away as Grenada.
The event came just a week after a 3.9‑magnitude earthquake was felt across Trinidad and Tobago on June 16. The twin‑island republic lies within a seismically active zone where quakes occur periodically.
Authorities remind the public to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” during an earthquake. If indoors, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy desk or table, and hold on until the shaking stops. If outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings, utility lines, and anything that could fall. After the shaking ends, check for injuries and damage, and remain alert for aftershocks.