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5.5-magnitude earthquake hits
A 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Marianas region last night at about 6:49pm.
The earthquake, which struck in pulses of two, had a first pulse that was significantly weaker than the second pulse. Sources said that neighboring islands of Rota, Tinian, and Guam felt the temblor as well.
The earthquake occurred about 67 miles south-southwest of Saipan, with a depth of 62.8 miles, according to Joey Dela Cruz, emergency operations center manager of the CNMI Office of Homeland Security Emergency Management.
The epicenter’s exact coordinates were at 14.3 degrees north and 145.3 degrees east at about 8 miles north of Rota.
Witnesses reported that the earthquake’s second temblor was so strong it felt like they were “forcibly jerked sideways.”
Saipan Tribune attempted to contact Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas to obtain comments, but he could not be reached as of press time.
As of 8:11pm last night, Dela Cruz said the CNMI Department of Homeland Security received information from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii confirming that there is no tsunami warning for the Marianas.
Dela Cruz reminds citizens of what to do during an earthquake.
“As in the past and as we always let people know, if you feel the shake, you need to drop, cover, and hold on. If you are in the low-lying area, seek higher ground [in case of a possible tsunami],” said Dela Cruz.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres reminded CNMI citizens to “continue being proactive in keeping your families and your communities safe.”
The last major earthquake in the CNMI was back on Aug. 1, 2016. A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the CNMI at about 7am but there were no reports of injuries and damage to property.
For additional information, contact the Emergency Operations Center warning point at 237-8000 or visit its Facebook page at CNMI EOC state warning point.
