P,R. quake spares lives, property

Countless islanders were jolted awake and driven from their homes, joining others who already sought protection in open areas, when a 5.7-degree earthquake hit the western side of Puerto Rico overnight. But from all reports, no one was hurt and damage was minimal.

Jerry DeMarco

05/16/2010 10:01 a.m.

The big fear, of course, was that it would trigger a Tsunami — or another quake — but conditions have been positive.

A Facebook page called “Yo tambien senti el temblor del 16 de mayo a las 1:06am en Puerto Rico!” (“I felt the earthquake May 16 at 1:06 AM in Puerto Rico, too!”) was formed within an hour of the rumble, attracting islanders eager to share their experiences.

The quake was centered between Moca and Anasco, near Isabela. Still, it was felt not only throughout the island — including the capital of San Juan — but in the rest of the Virgins, around 1:20 this morning.

Strong tremors were reportedly felt in Patillas, Arroyo, Guayama, Salinas, Ponce and Santa Isabel, all on the south coast, as well as the eastern coastal towns of Yabucoa, Humacao, Naguabo, Ceiba, Rio Grande and Fajardo.

ANYONE WHO HAS HEARD FROM LOVED ONES THERE IS URGED TO CONTACT ME (PUBLISHER/EDITOR), Jerry DeMarco at CLIFFVIEWPILOT@gmail.com. THANK YOU.

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