A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Puerto Rico early on Monday, resulting in landslides and some damage in the U.S. territory. Aftershocks are still anticipated.
The 5.8 tremor occurred at 5:32 a.m. ET, as reported by the US Geological Survey. It was centered approximately 8 miles south-southeast of Indios, Puerto Rico, at a depth of around 3.7 miles beneath the surface. Several smaller tremors followed, including a 4.9-magnitude quake, which caused further distress among residents just before 11 a.m., according to the USGS.
Puerto Rico Director of Emergency Management Carlos Acevedo stated that no significant injuries had been reported. However, geologists have cautioned about the potential for more aftershocks.
“More earthquakes than usual (called aftershocks) will continue to occur near the mainshock,” stated the USGS.
“When there are more earthquakes, the chance of a large earthquake is greater which means that the chance of damage is greater.”