Minor 4.2-Magnitude Earthquake Rattles Eastern Jamaica

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck just south of Buff Bay, Portland, on Sunday, sending tremors across several eastern parishes, according to the University of the West Indies’ Earthquake Unit.

The quake, centered approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) offshore, was felt in St. Thomas, St. Catherine, Kingston, and St. Andrew. No injuries or structural damage have been reported.

Jamaica lies along the seismically active boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, making it prone to frequent, low-intensity tremors. The Earthquake Unit continues to monitor activity and urges residents to review emergency preparedness measures.

For real-time updates and safety guidance, the public is encouraged to follow official advisories from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the UWI Seismic Research Centre.