Jamaica records 549 earthquakes in 2025, strengthens seismic monitoring network

Jamaica's seismic activity saw a slight decrease in 2025, with the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona, recording 549 earthquakes compared to 633 the previous year. This data comes from the Planning Institute of Jamaica's (PIOJ) Economic and Social Survey for 2025.

Of the recorded events, more than half (280) were local tremors. Seven felt earthquakes occurred on the Jamaican mainland, with magnitudes ranging from 3.1 to 4.2 on the Richter scale. While these events were not major, they were noticeable to residents.

Jamaica is actively enhancing its seismic monitoring capabilities. The country has continued to upgrade its seismic network, including improvements to equipment supporting the National Data Centre, GPS stations, and the installation of 12 new sensors for a citizen network. This initiative aims to promote community-based monitoring and improve the mapping of ground shaking across the island. Additionally, eight seismic stations were repaired, including two damaged by Hurricane Melissa, and the power supply system's sustainability was boosted with new lithium batteries for solar power storage.

Public awareness and preparedness remain key priorities. The Earthquake Preparedness Guidelines for Places of Worship were developed through collaboration between the Earthquake Unit, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and other partners. The PIOJ also reported that 45 communication and media activities were held, and six seismic intensity surveys were conducted for felt earthquakes, underscoring the nation's commitment to understanding and mitigating earthquake risks.