BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE restful sleep of many was sharply interrupted during the wee hours of this morning (Apr 30) when their beds began to shake as a result of an earthquake which rocked the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis and neighbouring islands.
The quake occurred at approximately 2:56 a.m. and, according to USGS Earthquake Hazard Programme’s website, it took place at 17.488°N 62.142°W, about 40 miles to the East-North-East of Basseterre, St. Kitts, 32 miles to the North-West of St. John’s, Antigua or 90 miles to the North-North-West of Lamentin, Guadeloupe.
Registering 5.3 on the Richter Scale, the approximate eight-second-long earthquake – according to this publication’s understanding – was felt in the above-mentioned territories and also in the Netherlands Antilles.
Though near 3:00 a.m., and though recovering from the shock of the shake, many still found time to register their sentiments on the happenings via social media. Some expressed shock while others expressed gratitude for the safety of their families.
Persons with whom SKNVibes has spoken described the experience as a somewhat unsettling one, as it is not the most comfortable situation being awaken by the almost violent shaking of one’s bed.
Some indicated that they were stuck with providing explanations to their children who were also awoken in alarm owing to the vibration of their sleep station. And for others, they count themselves blessed as their household maintained soundness of sleep for the duration of the tremor.
As at press time, SKNVibes had not heard of any damage resulting from the quake.
In July last year, an earthquake – believed to be of similar magnitude - shook the Federation. That, however, occurred at about 5:30 p.m. while most persons were either en route to their homes from work, still at work or enjoying the comfort of their homes.
