News Release

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis@sintmaarten.net; 
 
For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 29, 2007/N249
 
ODMP confirms no damages due to earthquake
 
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn E. Richards reported late Thursday afternoon that there were no damages due to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that was experienced on Thursday afternoon around 3.00pm.

The earthquake occurred off the East coast of Martinique at a depth of 121 km, according to the Seismic Research Unit.  This is the strongest earthquake event reported since 1974.

Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) Fire Department (ESF-4) and the Department of Public Works (ESF-3) did a damage assessment survey of the island after preliminary reports came in of possible damage associated with the earthquake.

The ESFs reported to the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness that there were no damages.  

Reports have indicated that the earthquake was widely felt across the Eastern Caribbean as far north as the British Virgin Islands and as far South as Guyana.

“The earthquake felt on Thursday afternoon was indeed a very strong one that was felt across the nation.  I am pleased that there were no reports of injury or damage.

“I would like to thank the Governor of Curacao Lisa Richards-Dindial who called to find out if we had sustained any damages and to offer whatever assistance would be required.  I thanked her for her consideration and solidarity with the people of St. Maarten.

“I would like to offer my prayers and thoughts on behalf of the government and people of St. Maarten to the island/s that were seriously impacted by the earthquake and wish them all the best with their recovery efforts,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday. 

Governor Richards also spoke with the Governor-General of the Netherlands Antilles Frits Goedgedrag and provided him with an update.  Governor Goedgedrag was also expected to inform the Prime Minister.

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Roddy Heyliger 
St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)