5.8 Earthquake Hits Cayman Islands

Digital News Report – A 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit the Cayman Islands this morning, just one week after a 7.0 earthquake hit the island nation of Haiti. There are no reports of injury or damage yet.

The earthquake struck at 9:23 am local time (6:23 am PST) and was centered 45 miles (70 km) east-southeast of George Town in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands are located south of Cuba and west of Jamaica.

Haiti, Venezuela and the Cayman Islands are located near the edges of the Caribbean Plate. Another 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela last Friday. A 6.0 earthquake hit Guatemala and El Salvador on Monday.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the quake was centered at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 km).

The quake was felt at Bodden Town, George Town and West Bay. It was also felt 190 miles away in Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

According to one map of the USGS, it appears the quake struck right on the tectonic boundary.

More Cayman Island Photos can viewed at: http://www.photosbynanci.com/under.html