549 Earthquakes Felt in Jamaica in 2025, Says PIOJ

Jamaica experienced 549 seismic activities in 2025, a slight decrease from the 633 recorded in the previous year, according to the 2025 edition of the Economic and Social Survey Jamaica published by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

The survey revealed that more than half of the recorded events, totaling 280, were local, occurring on the island or in close offshore areas. An additional 122 events, or 22.2 percent, were classified as near, happening within approximately 100 kilometers of Jamaica's coast. Seven felt events were registered, all occurring on the mainland and ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.2 on the Richter scale.

The PIOJ highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the country's seismic network. This includes upgrading equipment for the National Data Centre and improving GPS stations. Furthermore, 12 sensors were installed for a citizen network to promote community-based seismic monitoring and refine ground shaking maps across the island. Eight seismic stations were repaired, including two damaged by Hurricane Melissa last October.

Sustainability in the power supply system was also bolstered through upgrades to the solar system's power storage capacity, incorporating three new high-capacity lithium batteries. To support public awareness, the Earthquake Preparedness Guidelines for Places of Worship was developed collaboratively. Over 45 communication and media activities were hosted, and six seismic intensity surveys were conducted for felt earthquakes.