Over 400 earthquakes recorded in and around Jamaica in 2025

More than 400 earthquakes were recorded in and around Jamaica in 2025, according to the Earthquake Unit (EQU) at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, underscoring the island’s continued exposure to seismic activity.

The disclosure was made by Scientific Officer Karleen Black during a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank on January 6, ahead of Earthquake Awareness Week, which runs from January 11 to 17.

Black said a total of 402 earthquakes were recorded during the year. Of that number, 122 were classified as near events, affecting neighboring territories such as the Cayman Islands, Cuba and Haiti, while 280 were local events distributed across Jamaica.

“There were seven felt earthquakes and of these, two were in Portland, two in St. Thomas, another two in St. Elizabeth and one in St. Andrew,” Black said. She added that the geographic spread highlights the island-wide risk. “From the parish distribution, you can tell that all parishes across the island can experience earthquakes.”

Black also pointed to the resilience of Jamaica’s seismic monitoring systems, particularly in the aftermath of Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which damaged some monitoring stations.

“Coming out of Melissa, we would have had some damage to our stations… however, due to our resiliency in having multiple networks, we were able to keep the monitoring going, even during Melissa,” she said.

She reminded Jamaicans that the country faces multiple hazards and that overlapping disasters are a real possibility.

“As you know, Jamaica is a multi-hazard country and it is quite possible that during a hurricane or some other disaster, you could have an earthquake as well,” Black cautioned.

While no earthquakes occurred during Hurricane Melissa itself, she referenced a magnitude 3.1 earthquake in St. Elizabeth on December 1 as a reminder that seismic activity can still affect areas already impacted by disasters.

Looking ahead to 2026, Black reaffirmed the Earthquake Unit’s role in strengthening national preparedness and public awareness.

“As we go forward into 2026, it’s the role of the Earthquake Unit to support all its partners, such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), as well as you, the general public, to help you with general information about areas that are most affected by earthquakes, data requests, as well as safety guidance,” she said.

Earthquake Awareness Week is being observed under the theme “Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake.” The observance, spearheaded by ODPEM, will feature a series of activities aimed at increasing public engagement and strengthening national resilience.