Since the 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti there have been numerous aftershocks six days later in other parts of the Caribbean, Central and South America probably making it the first time in recent history that the regions have seen so much sustained seismic activity. Is there a need to be alarmed? Well many living in the region are concerned about the series of shake-ups.
One international article stated there is no word yet on whether the numerous quakes are related to the Haiti incident but the timing of the quakes do merit investigation on what may be happening. The most recent activity occurred around nine thirty this morning about forty five miles east south east of the Cayman Islands. The earthquake measured at five point eight on Richter scale and fortunately there has been no reported loss of life or structural damage.
The earth quake came on the heels of yet another in Guatemala, this one measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale. It rocked the western edge of that country around six on Monday morning and was felt in neighboring El Salvador. According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred about sixty miles southwest of Guatemala City where international media reports state it was felt by many residents. There have been no immediate reports of injuries or structural damage in the country.
Then on Sunday a 6.3 earthquake occurred in the south Atlantic near Argentina, again no reports of damage. Then last week Friday a five point six earthquake hit Venezuela fortunately again there are no reported damages. We could not speak with any geologist at the Department of Petroleum and Geology to find out if this is indicative of a trend or just isolated occurrences.
