DR1.com - According to the state university UASD Seismological Institute, there were three earthquakes yesterday with their epicenter in the northeast of the country. The first, in Rio San Juan, occurred at 10:33am, and measured 4.4 on the Richter scale with a depth of 25 kilometers. The second was at 5:45pm with a magnitude of 4.9, five kilometers deep and the epicenter was 33 kilometers northeast of Nagua. The third was at 6.15 pm, magnitude 4.2, ten kilometers deep and was 35 kilometers east-northeast of Salcedo, in the province of Hermanas Mirabal.
The director of the Seismological Institute, Eugenio Polanco, explained that it was normal for one quake to follow another because the country is on active geographical faults. He encouraged the public to stay alert, be prepared, stay calm and make emergency plans.
DominicanToday.com - The widespread jitters caused by the now frequent tremors in the country since January five have prompted the public safety agencies, coordinated by the Emergency Operations Center (COE), to issue prevention measures on Tuesday.
COE director Juan Manuel Méndez the measures include a guide for citizens to elaborate a family emergency plan in case of a quake, to be socialized through workshops promoted with the support of mayors’ offices and municipal governments.
Also a workshop with the media slated for March, to coordinate the information effectively, as well as spot ads to educate the citizens as to what to do before, during and after a quake.
In a press conference, Méndez asked the population to visit COE’s Website (www.coe.gov.do), to find the prevention guide and seek information via the phone at 809-472-0909.
Among the officials of the agencies gathered figured Civil Defense, Dominican Red Cross, National Police, Armed Forces and Public Health.
Dominican Watchdog Note: All these activities from the NGO's and government agencies shows that they are expecting a LARGE QUAKE. It would probably be a good idea to stay away for some time unless you absolutely have to visit the DR! |