WATCH: Minor damage after magnitude 5.6 earthquake, says Holness – PM urges Jamaicans to remain calm
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging Jamaicans to remain calm after the island was jolted by a magnitude 5.6 earthquake on Monday morning.
According to Holness, following initial assessments, damage from the earthquake appears minor, but he revealed that all earthquake protocols have been activated.
“The assessment so far is that damage has been minor but nevertheless we are taking all precautions. All the necessary protocols have been activated. At this point I want to say to all Jamaicans remain calm. It is likely that after the initial shock, there are usually aftershocks so you want to be in a safe place,” he said. “That safe place may be outside until you have conducted an assessment of the building and you have determined that it is safe to reenter the building.”
“Follow all the protocols regarding earthquakes and general safety,” he urged.
The quake was felt islandwide with an epicentre located about 4 km (2.5 miles) west-northwest of Hope Bay, Portland. There have been a number of reports across the island of minor damage to buildings.
READ: Jamaica jolted by earthquake
No deaths have been reported.
