Seismic Experts Warn of Possible Large Earthquake in Barbados, Urging Preparedness

While this tremor did not feel as strong as the magnitude 6.4 quake in 2015, it left her with a headache, she said.

Minister Abrahams said there were no reports of damage or injuries from the earth-shaking event. But he expressed concern that people were spreading misinformation about the quake which created unnecessary panic.

Abrahams told Barbados TODAY: “One of the most important things you can learn is to pay attention and monitor the official stations. When this [type of hazard] happens, we will respond as quickly as possible and in very short order, put out a statement through GIS [the Government Information Service] and Barbadians will be informed. There are a lot of people who were out there spreading news about aftershocks… [that] more and more are coming and about tsunamis coming, and generating unnecessary panic.

“The one thing we can learn is that the authorities are working with the people. We are all Barbadians and it is not in our interest to give people false information. . . . When things like this happen, whether it’s the hurricane season or anything like that, listen out for the official and reputable media channels, which would include Barbados TODAY. We all know who they are, and you will get the information you need,” he said, adding that there was no reason to fear a tsunami.

Abrahams further suggested that with building codes and building standards in place, prospective homeowners should plan for various hazards, including hurricanes and earthquakes.

“We do need to be aware in the continuing climate crisis we are in, that we are going to get more intense and more frequent climate-related activities which would include tremors, which would include hurricanes, which would include droughts, which would include very severe rainy seasons. So, let us be informed going forward,” he said.

President of the General Insurance Association of Barbados (GIAB) Randy Graham said that while Tuesday’s tremor was not strong enough to cause damage resulting in claims, it should be a wake-up call for the country.

“It is a reminder that Barbados is not completely absolved from these things. We can get earthquakes here. Fortunately, they have been weak, but if they were strong those things could be damaging. So, just a reminder to the country that they are things we have to keep our eyes on,” he told Barbados TODAY.

Graham called for more frequent drills for hazards that include earthquake readiness.

He said: “In our building there are wardens and so on to remind us of these types of things,” he said. “But still, when it happens, you could still look around and see people nervous and confused as to what to do next. So, although you say when there is an earthquake go under the desk, use the stairs, don’t use the elevators, you still see people when they get into these positions, panicking and forgetting all of the instructions…. We need to rope these types of things into our security and into our planning so we are prepared, so when it happens, we don’t cause unnecessary panic.”

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