One cannot take comfort in the long-standing theory that small earthquakes serve as release of tension for the big one. A new study published on 3 January 2019 in Nature Communications and that focuses on the Himalayas, says that contrary to releasing seismic tensions in the crust, moderate earthquakes can trigger a destructive mega-earthquake, at 8.5 magnitude or higher. For years now, the Dominican Republic has been undergoing a swarm of small to moderate earthquakes. For years now, experts have forecast the DR should be prepared for a 8+ earthquake.
The most recent earthquake of moderate magnitude happened at 10:33 am on Monday, 4 February 2019 at 27.5 km SSE of Boca de Yuma, La Altagracia province, some 51.8 km SSW of Punta Cana. It occurred at a depth of 74 km according to the United States Geological Service (USGS). The Monday, 4 February 5.3 magnitude shake was felt widely in resort land. Punta Cana has over 50,000 lodging units located from Cap Cana to Uvero Alto to the north. With few exceptions, most are in low rises.
Prior to that earthquake, the biggest earthquakes to affect the country were those of 5.7 on 12 April 1993 in the Cibao area, and another on 6.5 that occurred ten years later, on 22 September 2003, affecting Santiago and primarily Puerto Plata, both in the same Cibao region. Its epicenter was 15 km from the city of Puerto Plata.
The media is reporting that the Monday, 4 February 2019 earthquake is a call to action and preparedness, and for actions to ensure better quality in public school construction. Photos of damages have just begun to come in. Reportedly several public schools have suffered cracks and were closed down while the authorities ascertain the situation. Reports are that in 16 public schools in La Altagracia and El Seibo were affected, including the Liceo Gerardo Jansen in Higuey, Sagrado Corazón de Jesús in Bayahibe. Education Minister Andres Navarro ordered an assessment to take the necessary corrective measures in time to preserve the lives of students, teachers and administrative staff at the schools.
The worst earthquake to affect the Dominican Republic occurred in 1946, with a magnitude of 8.0 with its epicenter in Samaná, on the northeastern coast. A replica was felt four days later, a strong 7.6 magnitude. The earthquake killed 100 persons and left 20,000 homeless, causing serious damages to constructions in cities from Samaná to Santiago, Moca, San Francisco de Macorís and Puerto Plata. A tsunami would follow, bringing a 5m high wave that is said to have killed 2,000 persons in the Nagua area.
There are contradicting protocols as to whether to go outside or stay inside. Read on and prepare your own plan to already have a well thought out action plan should be a big one hit.
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5 February 2019
