7.7 Magnitude Earthquake Has Rocked Jamaica

The USGS reports a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean sea between Cuba and Jamaica. There's no word on a possible tsunami. The epicenter is located 117km northwest of Lucea, Jamaica at a depth of 10 km. That's almost directly east of the Cayman islands and Montego Bay is located 133 km SE of the epicenter. It was directly on the Cayman Trough, which is part of the Gonave plate.

For reference, the earthquake that caused the devestating Japan tsunami was a 9.1 magnitude quake 400 km offshore at a dept of 29km. It created 30 ft waves. Much goes into whether or not an earthquake will cause a tsunami, including the depth and the type of fracture. There are widespread reports of people feeling the shaking throughout Jamaica and building evacuations are underway. Early reports say the shaking was long-lasting but not severe. -Full Report

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