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We're on a major fault line here and earthquakes are a very regular occurrence with most of them unfelt. Over 40 years ago, a seismological study was done in the area and the prediction was that within the next 20 years there was a high probability that a major earthquake would wreak devastation. Well, so far it obviously hasn't happened and the devastation from hurricanes has been way more severe!
The most I've ever experienced was some major rattling of pots and pans. The last one I felt to any degree was earlier this year when the rumbling noise woke me up and was strong enough that I was poised to jump out of bed and make a quick dash to get myself into a doorway under a retaining wall. But by the time I had my bleary wits about me to make the move it was all over.
In the mid 19th century a huge earthquake created a tsunami which rolled into the St Thomas harbor and rolled out again leaving countless sailing vessels stranded on the bare ocean bed. Reading first hand reports of that event are fascinating. There was very little loss of life but property damage to the numerous warehouses fronting the harbor was significant. This was obviously way before all the present-day waterfront development.
Well, Haiti is on the same fault that was "due" for a major quake and that obviously came about in a horrific manner.
Just because there hasn't been a major quake during a short window of time geologically speaking or even anecdotally over one's life time on an island hardly reduces the threat.
Many areas have the potential for a major quake, but due to the relative infrequency, people don't take the threat seriously.
Well, Haiti is on the same fault that was "due" for a major quake and that obviously came about in a horrific manner.
Just because there hasn't been a major quake during a short window of time geologically speaking or even anecdotally over one's life time on an island hardly reduces the threat.
Many areas have the potential for a major quake, but due to the relative infrequency, people don't take the threat seriously.
No point being made here about which to argue. I was simply relating facts for someone probably new to the area who's not used to the prevailing seismic activity.
As can be seen on the map, PR is close to major fault lines, but not necessarily on one. There might be many minor fault lines crossing the island, though.
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