KINGSTON, Jamaica—More than 400 earthquakes were recorded in and around Jamaica in 2025 by the Earthquake Unit (EQU) located at the University of the West Indies, Mona.

This was reported by Scientific Officer, EQU, Karleen Black, during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on January 6, ahead of Earthquake Awareness Week, scheduled for January 11-17.

She indicated that of the earthquakes recorded, 122 were classified as near events, including seismic activity affecting neighbouring territories such as the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Haiti, while 280 were recorded locally and were distributed across the island.

“There were seven felt earthquakes, and of these, two were in Portland, two in St Thomas, another two in St Elizabeth and one in St Andrew,” Black said, noting that from the parish distribution, “you can tell that all parishes across the island can experience earthquakes.”

Black further highlighted the resilience of the country’s seismic monitoring network, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which caused damage to some monitoring stations.

“Coming out of Melissa, we would have had some damage to our stations… however, due to our resiliency in having multiple networks, we were able to keep the monitoring going, even during Melissa,” she said.

Black reminded Jamaicans that the island is exposed to multiple hazards and that overlapping events are likely.

“As you know, Jamaica is a multi-hazard country, and it is quite possible that during a hurricane or some other disaster, you could have an earthquake as well,” she cautioned.

Although Jamaica did not experience an earthquake during Hurricane Melissa, Black pointed to a magnitude 3.1 earthquake in St Elizabeth on December 1 as a reminder that seismic activity can still occur in already impacted areas.

Looking ahead, Black emphasised the Earthquake unit’s continued commitment to national resilience and public safety.

“As we go forward into 2026, it’s the role of the Earthquake Unit to support all its partners, such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), as well as you, the general public, to help you with general information about areas that are most affected by earthquakes, data requests, as well as safety [guidance], Black said.

Earthquake Awareness Week is being observed under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’.

The week, being spearheaded by ODPEM, will feature a series of activities aimed at engaging citizens and strengthening public awareness.

-JIS