About 200 earthquakes are located in and around Jamaica per year most of which are minor, having magnitudes less than 4.0. The most seismically active areas are the Blue Mountain block in eastern Jamaica and the Montpelier-Newmarket belt in western Jamaica. Other areas of notable seismicity include the near offshore southwest of Black River on the south coast, and offshore Buff Bay on the northeast coast. The United Nations Development Program says it is necessary to raise the level of awareness on Jamaica’s seismic potential and to find a way to make enhance preparedness. Unfortunately, Jamaica is not prepared. A February 7, 2014 story in the Jamaica Gleaner suggests that approximately 70% of designed buildings, are done without the input of building professionals. A push for stricter building codes could help Jamaica be more prepared for hazards.
http://www.mona.uwi.edu/earthquake/jaequake.php
http://www.jm.undp.org/content/jamaica/en/home/presscenter/articles/2013/05/03/jamaica-must-prepare-for-large-earthquakes.html
It is surprising to me that a country like that, with so many faults crossing it...doesnt have a better grasp on prevention...but, maybe the country has other priorities. I found out that in 1692 they had a Mw 7.5 with a tsunami following the big quakes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1692_Jamaica_earthquake) so they do have a history they should learn from before it is too late...
ReplyDeleteHey Sophia! That's insane that Jamaica is not prepared for a disaster like that to happen. 70 percent is a very high number for any country that is prone to any disaster that flows their way.
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