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A strong earthquake of magnitude 6.5 rocked the eastern Caribbean Sea on Monday. The quake struck about 162 km (about 100 miles) east of Guadeloupe, at a shallow depth of about 9–10 kilometres (6.2 miles).
The tremor was widely felt across many islands in the region. Areas touched include Barbados; British Virgin Islands; Dominica; Saint Martin; Sint Maarten; Guadeloupe; Martinique; Montserrat; Puerto Rico; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; the U.S. Virgin Islands; Venezuela; Caribbean Netherlands; Saint Barthélemy; Antigua and Barbuda; and Anguilla.
Residents across these islands reported feeling strong shaking. For example, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, people awoke to jolts and described furniture moving and walls vibrating.
Officials said that despite the strength of the quake, no major damage or injuries have been confirmed so far. Also, there was no tsunami warning issued at the time because the quake’s characteristics suggested low risk of a large wave.
What happened
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake happened in open water, east of Guadeloupe, at a shallow depth of around 9–10 km. The shallow depth means the shaking can travel farther and feel stronger on islands nearer the epicentre.
In many areas, the shaking lasted for several seconds. People said they felt their homes sway, that windows rattled, and that sudden snaps of sound accompanied the tremor. In some cases, power flickered and mobile phone signals dipped briefly.
Where it was felt
Because the epicentre is in the eastern Caribbean region, many islands felt the quake. Here are some details:
- In Antigua and Barbuda the quake was reported at a distance of about 247 km from the epicentre.
- In the Virgin Islands, residents described noticeable shaking in the morning hours and reported after-shocks.
- In Guadeloupe and Martinique, the quake’s effects were stronger because they are closer to the epicentre. Local seismic stations recorded the event clearly.
Possible after-shocks & safety tips
Experts say after a quake of this size, after-shocks are quite possible. Some may be strong enough to cause further shaking. People in affected islands are being advised to stay alert.
Here are some key safety reminders:
- Stay away from windows and heavy furniture.
- If inside, drop – cover – hold on until the shaking stops.
- If outside, stay in an open area away from buildings, trees or power lines.
- Check for gas leaks, water or electrical damage after the quake.
- If you're near the coast and feel strong shaking, move to higher ground until you hear official word. Even though a tsunami threat is low now, caution remains wise.
Why this happened
The Caribbean region lies near complex tectonic plate boundaries. The motion between the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate, as well as smaller micro-plates, means it is a zone of frequent seismic activity.
While not deadly this time, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake can still cause damage to older or poorly built structures. Because this one struck offshore, major damage was avoided so far.
What comes next
Authorities across the region are now assessing any structural damage, power or water disruptions, and monitoring for further seismic activity. Emergency services remain on alert. Residents are encouraged to follow updates from official sources and stay prepared.
Officials emphasise that even though no major harm is recorded yet, the situation remains tense until after-shocks settle and full inspections are done.
Exclusive News: Monday’s magnitude 6.5 quake serves as a reminder of how vulnerable island communities in the Caribbean are to seismic events. While this one appears to have produced minimal damage, the wide reach of its effects shows how important preparation, resilient buildings and quick assessment remain. Authorities will continue to monitor and support the affected islands as required.
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