ONE of Jamaica’s leading insurance professionals is urging individuals and business operators to “prioritise preparedness for the inevitable” as the island observes January as Earthquake Awareness Month under the theme, ‘Prepare for the Quake, Reduce the Impact of the Shake’.

Joseph Holness, assistant general manager, reinsurance and underwriting, at JN General Insurance, has underscored the critical need for proactive measures to be taken by households and businesses, given the frequent seismic activities of varying magnitudes that have been occurring in the Caribbean in recent years.

“Earthquakes strike without warning, leaving behind devastation to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The unpredictability of earthquakes means that preparedness is non-negotiable,” said Holness in a statement to mark the month.

“Everyone should identify safe zones at home and work, maintain accessible emergency supplies, and ensure that all household members understand what to do before, during, and after an earthquake,” added Holness.

He noted that Jamaica’s location along the northern boundary of the Caribbean tectonic plate makes the island highly susceptible to earthquakes.

“This geographical reality highlights the critical need for preparedness at all levels — from taking personal safety precautions to strengthening infrastructure for greater resilience. In a region prone to high seismic activity, being in a state of readiness is essential,” Holness emphasised.

Statistics on the website of the Earthquake Unit at The University of the West Indies show that in 2024 Jamaica was rocked by a 6.1-magnitude earthquake on December 3, a 6.5 and 5.6 on November 10, and a 5.3 on August 16.

There were 15 other earthquakes that were felt across Jamaica, ranging from 2.9 to 4.5 during the year.

To date, Jamaica’s most significant earthquakes occurred on June 7, 1692, which destroyed Port Royal and killed approximately 2,000 people; and on January 14, 1907, which claimed about 1,200 lives and resulted in fires and severe infrastructural damage across the capital, Kingston.

“Despite the best precautions, structural damage and financial losses are common after earthquakes. They can cause major damage to buildings, particularly those that are poorly constructed or not designed to withstand seismic activity. Structural failures — such as cracked walls, collapsed roofs, and buckled foundations — are common, especially in older buildings or those made with substandard materials,” explained Holness.

“Many Jamaicans underestimate the cost of repairs, which can amount to millions of dollars. Without adequate insurance coverage, rebuilding can take years or may never happen,” he said, adding that, “fewer than 50 per cent of homes in Jamaica are insured, and several are underinsured,” noted Holness.

He pointed to earthquake preparedness tips including:

1. Identify and address structural vulnerabilities in your building.

2. Secure heavy furniture and appliances to prevent injuries during tremors.

3. Know the safest places in each room to drop, cover, and hold on during an earthquake, such as under sturdy furniture or against interior walls.

4. Conduct regular earthquake drills with your household or workplace to ensure everyone knows what to do.

5. Keep a stock of essential items, such as flashlights, batteries, and medication.

6. Review your insurance policy to ensure that homes and businesses are insured for their replacement value.

“Natural disasters are unpreventable, therefore having insurance allows you to recover faster and with less financial strain. Preparedness is not just about what we do before an earthquake — it’s about having provisions in place to recover afterward,” declared Holness.