INGSTON, Jamaica — A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck off Jamaica’s coast early Tuesday, sending tremors across the island and waking residents in multiple communities, according to the Earthquake Unit at The University of the West Indies, Mona.
The Earthquake Unit said the quake hit at about 3:18 a.m. local time and was centered offshore, roughly 84.9 kilometers northeast of Manchioneal and 139.4 kilometers east of Kingston, at a depth of 10 kilometers. The agency tracks felt events on its public bulletin, Last Felt Earthquakes in Jamaica.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center did not issue any tsunami alerts following the quake, and there was no immediate indication of a tsunami threat.
Offshore strike details after the magnitude 5.6 earthquake
Residents across Jamaica reported feeling shaking strong enough to wake them, with several describing rattling windows and a short burst of movement lasting a few seconds.
Some posts on social media described the tremor as among the strongest they have felt recently, including comments shared publicly by entertainer Lila Iké.
Early reports did not indicate widespread damage or injuries, but authorities typically continue monitoring for aftershocks after moderate earthquakes.
Why Jamaica see frequent seismic activity
Jamaica sits near the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, a seismically active zone that produces frequent earthquakes, including occasional moderate to strong events.
Similar offshore tremors have also been felt in St Lucia, including a recent report on St Lucia rattled by 5.5 earthquake that highlighted how quickly shaking can spread across the region.
Seismologists and disaster officials routinely advise residents to use felt earthquakes as a reminder to review household safety steps, including securing heavy items and knowing safe indoor positions during shaking.
