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5 earthquakes occur in one week
Two more earthquakes occurred near Saipan over the weekend, but there were no reports of damage to property nor did it cause a tsunami warning.
As of press time, Saipan Tribune was still waiting for a response from the U.S. Geological Survey as to the possible reasons behind the five earthquakes within a week.
The series of earthquakes that hit the CNMI, Japan, and Taiwan, and the eruption of Mayon Volcano in the Philippines, have sparked fears that a “Big One” is on the way.
Some scientists, however, downplayed the scenario, saying the activity is normal for the Pacific Ring of Fire.
The CNMI is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a horseshoe shaped geological disaster zone that circles the Pacific Ocean basin where tectonic plates (earth’s crust) meet or collide.
No tsunami warnings or advisories were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center with the recent five temblors.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake happened 81.4 miles southeast of Saipan on Saturday at 7:53am.
Last Friday, a 5.0 magnitude temblor occurred 93.2 miles east southeast of Saipan at 12:28am.
Last Wednesday at 1:33am, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake occurred 10.6 miles west-northwest of Agrihan.
Last Tuesday at 12:48pm, a 5.6 magnitude earthquake jolted 84.5 miles east-southeast of Rota.
Last Monday, Feb. 12, at 9:14am, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake occurred 86 miles east of Rota. Some residents of Saipan felt the jolt.
A 6.4 magnitude temblor hit Taiwan’s coastline last Feb. 6, killing 17 people and injuring hundreds.
Three earthquakes hit Japan since Feb. 11, with the strongest at 4.8 magnitude.
Last Jan. 24, tens of thousands of people evacuated their homes when Mayon erupted.
