A M6.0 earthquake hit Puerto Rico on September 24, 2019, 3:24 a.m. UTC at a depth of 6 miles (10 km).
While there was not tsunami warning, the NWS Pacific tsunami Center stated that minor sea level fluctuations may occur in some coastal areas over the next few hours.
Already bracing for a tropical system in the next 24 hours, Puerto Rico was hit by an earthquake late Monday, 11:24 p.m local time (or Sept. 24, 3:24 a.m. UTC).
Shakings and rumblings from the strong and shallow earthquake was reported by more than 700 people on the USGS homepage.
10th floor high rise shaking in Ponce, Puerto Rico #earthquakes https://t.co/mIi1JCRlns
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 24, 2019
The M6.0 earthquake was located about 46 miles northwest of the island. There is no tsunami threat for the island, or the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands, although slight sea level changes may have been witnessed along the coast.
Lamps swaying from earthquake off the coast of Puerto Rico tonight. https://t.co/m4fYUwvvC5
— Preston Phillips (@PrestonTVNews) September 24, 2019
The strong and shallow quake was followed by more than seven aftershocks over M4.0 magnitude within an hour. A M5.1 quake hit just nine minutes after the initial quake.
At the moment, there are no reports of damage or injuries.
Earthquake damage: Water main break in Mayagüez which is on the western side of Puerto Rico. https://t.co/SuzBEY3oLD
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 24, 2019
The Office of Emergency Management’s offices were already open around the clock ahead of Tropical Depression Karen, which flooded Trinidad and Tobago two days ago. The official said the quake and aftershocks will not impact the agency ahead of Karen.
Earthquake rattled windows & doors in Manati, Puerto Rico https://t.co/Onq5ra4pBb
— David Begnaud (@DavidBegnaud) September 24, 2019
The preliminary magnitude for the quake was measured at 6.3 magnitude, according to the NWS.
Footage during Puerto Rico’s 6.3 earthquake, sent from Toa Alta pic.twitter.com/0xBjf488vo
— Victoria Leandra (@leandrareports) September 24, 2019
The island already closed schools on Tuesday in preparation for Karen, which is expected to lash Puerto Rico with gusty winds and rain of as much as 4 to 8 inches. The island was spared just last week by Hurricane Humberto as it skirted north of the island.
Puerto Rico is again badly hit this year. Have a prayer for them!
