Jamaica, on Monday morning, found itself at the centre of a significant seismic event, as a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 rocked the Caribbean island.
Originating in Portland, this earthquake marked the most potent tremor to hit the island in over three decades, reminiscent of the last similar magnitude quake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale in January 1993. While the geological event was unsettling, it was the reactions of some of Jamaica’s well-known entertainers that added a human touch to the situation.
Among those who shared their experiences on social media were local celebrities Popcaan, Spragga Benz, Spice, Sean Paul, Tarrus Riley, Wayne Marshall and Tami Chynn, among others. These artists found themselves caught up in the earthquake’s intensity, offering a glimpse into their reactions and emotions during the unforeseen event.
Seemingly in shock, the Unruly Boss, via his Instagram Story, wrote, “B*mb*Cl**t”. Wayne Marshall, a familiar face in the music scene, along with his wife Tami Chin and their son Gio, was amid a recording when the earthquake struck. Their immediate response was a mixture of shock and concern for their child’s safety. The place began to shake, prompting them to abandon their recording and exit the room swiftly. In their haste to ensure everyone’s well-being, the collapsed recording device became an afterthought, highlighting the instinctive human response to prioritize safety in the face of such a crisis.
Sean Paul, a globally recognized dancehall artist, had his own unique experience with the earthquake. He was in the midst of an interview when the seismic event occurred, causing his camera to shake and eventually disconnect. This abrupt disruption was a result of the widespread power outages and the loss of internet service in various areas, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of the earthquake.
Also caught off guard, Spice took to Instagram, posting, “Besties in Jamaica 🇯🇲 did you feel the #Earthquake ? My house was shaking 🫨 I’m dizzy AF #BedARock the #BedARock 💙💙💙”
Tarrus Riley, a well-known reggae singer, added a touch of exaggeration to the situation. Describing the earthquake as the “greatest” ever felt in Jamaican history. His video resonated with both humour and a sense of togetherness as he hoped for everyone’s safety during this unexpected natural event.
Fortunately, the earthquake, while unsettling and disruptive, caused only minor damage and, crucially, no reported injuries or fatalities. Prime Minister Andrew Holness swiftly reassured the public, acknowledging the temporary disruption of electricity and phone services. This event served as a stark reminder of the seismic activity in Jamaica, where small earthquakes are relatively common while stronger ones remain rare but potentially devastating.
Jamaica, like its neighbouring countries, sits atop the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone. This geographical reality underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural occurrences.
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