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7.1 quake jolts CNMI, Guam
Strong temblor did not generate destructive tsunami
A 7.1-magnitude earthquake that occurred near Guam yesterday afternoon was strongly felt in the CNMI. The temblor, however, did not generate a destructive tsunami.
CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management special assistant Marvin K. Seman told Saipan Tribune yesterday that no tsunami watch or warning was in effect for the Northern Mariana Islands.
Seman said there were no reports of injuries and damage to property on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
As for Guam, Seman said he did not receive a report so far from Guam Homeland Security Civil Defense about injuries and damage to property.
According to the U.S. Geological Service, the earthquake occurred at 4:14pm, with the epicenter at 27 miles (44km) northwest of Piti Village, Guam at a depth of 83.2 miles (133.9km).
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a destructive tsunami was not generated because the earthquake was located too deep inside the Earth.
Seman said they contacted government agencies on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota and that there were no reports of injuries or damage to property.
Seman said they talked to Gov. Eloy S. Inos and gave him a briefing to ensure that nothing is compromised, that people are informed, and that core agencies are ready to respond if there would be any issues as a result of the temblor.
Seman said they would continue monitoring the situation as there might be aftershocks or even bigger earthquakes.
When asked about the possible cause of the temblor, Seman said it’s basically from the plate shifting as the Philippine Plate and the Pacific Plate are constantly moving.
“So wherever the plates are, that’s where most of the earthquakes are happening,” he said.
Most of the staff at the U.S. District Court for the NMI said they felt the earthquake on the second floor of Horiguchi Building in Garapan, that it was strong and lasted about 20 seconds.
Court security officers and court marshals, however, did not feel the shaking on the ground floor. Those on the fourth and fifth floors of the building witnessed items shaking in their respective offices.
Last Aug. 13, a 5.4-magnitude earthquake occurred near Rota, prompting many residents on the island to run outside of buildings and houses.
