Jamaica told: Prepare for big quake
A US seismic expert has urged Jamaica to start long-term efforts to prepare for another major earthquake on the island, where the seaside capital was mostly destroyed by a huge tremor just over a century ago.
It is impossible for scientists to determine if the next big quake will hit in days or decades, but geophysics professor Eric Calais of Purdue University is urging the island's government and various stakeholders to understand that the threat is very real based on the area's history and active seismic activity.
Prof Calais, visiting the island over four days during a mission with the United Nations Development Programme, said most scientists agreed Jamaica would most likely be exposed to a quake with a magnitude of 7 or 7.5.
An earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale is considered "major" and capable of widespread, heavy damage.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/jamaica-told-prepare-for-big-quake-29159834.html
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