United States Geological Survey map showing areas impacted by the 5.7 magnitude earthquake. Photo Credit: USGS
The U.S. Virgin Islands has been hit by two significant earthquakes in close succession, according to notifications issued by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 5.1, was followed by a stronger 5.7 magnitude quake, both of which were felt in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Details of the First Earthquake:
- Magnitude: 5.1
- USGS Alert Date & Time: December 9, 2023, 08:42:24
- Location: Virgin Islands
- Depth: 30 kilometers
- Distance From Nearby Cities:
- 69.9 km (43.4 miles) northeast of Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 79.2 km (49.1 miles) northeast of Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 126.9 km (78.7 miles) north-northeast of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 146.0 km (90.5 miles) east-northeast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- 161.8 km (100.3 miles) east-northeast of Río Grande, Puerto Rico
Details of the Second Earthquake:
- Magnitude: 5.7
- Location: Virgin Islands
- Depth: 7 kilometers
- Distance From Nearby Cities:
- 74.5 km (46.2 miles) northeast of Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 82.9 km (51.4 miles) northeast of Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 133.1 km (82.5 miles) north-northeast of Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- 147.2 km (91.3 miles) east-northeast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico
- 162.4 km (100.7 miles) east-northeast of Río Grande, Puerto Rico
AlertVI is poised to send separate tsunami information if a tsunami is detected as a result of either earthquake. The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) staff is actively monitoring these seismic events and will issue follow-up actions as required.
Residents and visitors in the affected regions are urged to stay alert and follow any guidance issued by local authorities.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
