Antigua & Barbuda rocked by magnitude 3.5 earthquake

The University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre (SRC) reported a 3.5 magnitude earthquake near Antigua & Barbuda on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 6:22 a.m. local time.

The earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), was located at latitude 18.74N and longitude 61.94W, approximately 181 kilometers (112 miles) north of St. John’s (Antigua & Barbuda), 182 kilometers (113 miles) northeast of Basseterre (St. Kitts & Nevis), and 218 kilometers (135 miles) north of Brades (Montserrat).

Preliminary data, generated by automated algorithms, is subject to review by seismic experts. No damages or injuries have been reported, but residents are advised to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.

Earthquakes are frequent in Antigua & Barbuda due to the twin-island nation’s location in a tectonically active region where the North American plate subducts beneath the Caribbean plate. These events are typically low in magnitude and unlikely to cause significant harm.

On December 9, 2024, a 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck northeast of Codrington, Antigua & Barbuda, also resulting in no reported damage or injuries.