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7.7 earthquake jolts CNMI
Many CNMI residents were awakened when a 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolted the Mariana Islands Saturday morning at 7:18am.
According to the U.S. Geological Service, the earthquake’s epicenter was at 316 kilometers south-southwest of Agrihan at a depth of 212.4 kilometers.
Based on available data, there was no tsunami threat.
Saipan Tribune learned that there were no reports of injuries or damage to property.
There were small aftershocks recorded.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres on Saturday asked the public to keep themselves and their families safe “as the situation continues to develop.”
The CNMI Joint Information Center did not indicate the cause of the earthquake and its duration.
Glenn, a resident of Finasisu, said he was watching TV on the couch when the two-story apartment building started to shake.
Glenn said as the TV was shaking hard, he stood up next to the door and observed if the ceiling would collapse as the temblor took several seconds.
“I was scared! When I looked outside a few of my neighbors also went to their doors, telling that it was a strong earthquake,” he said.
Josephine, 45, a resident in Chalan Kanoa, said she was awakened when her bed was shaking hard.
Josephine said when she realized it was an earthquake she immediately stood to check her children who were still sleeping.
Josephine said she immediately checked her Facebook if there’s a tsunami warning, and that she was happy that there was none.
“It was long and scary!” she said.
On Rota, it was felt but not that strong.
Firefighter Christopher Hocog said not everyone felt the earthquake.
Hocog said when it happened he did not feel it as he was in a vehicle.
On Tinian, people felt the strong earthquake.
Fire cadet Esteven Sablan said he was sleeping in his house at the time when he felt the shake.
“Other people felt it,” Sablan said.
The earthquake was also felt in Guam.
