Puerto Rico rattled by 5.4 earthquake

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern coast of Puerto Rico on Saturday morning.

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the southern coast of Puerto Rico on Saturday morning.
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By Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
May 2, 2020
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Residents in southern Puerto Rico were jolted awake Saturday morning when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the island.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake hit off the coast of Ponce and Peñuelas at 7:19 a.m. local time. Preliminary reports measured the earthquake's strength at 5.5 on the Richter scale.but was later downgraded slightly.

The area has been the target of other earthquakes ranging from 3.4 to 4.9 on the Richter scale, CNN reported.

According to The Associated Press, spokeswoman Inés Rivera said at least one second-story balcony had crashed in Ponce. Cracks in homes were reported in Guayanilla.

Gov. Wanda Vázquez took to Twitter, reminding residents to remember security precautions related to the coronavirus pandemic if they evacuate.

“To our people, stay calm,” Vázquez tweeted. “We’re ready for any emergency. If your structure is damaged, you should leave with your mask and your emergency backpack.”

Puerto Rico's southern coast has been hit by several earthquakes since late last year, the Miami Herald reported. On Jan. 7, a 6.4 earthquake and several aftershocks damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and killed one person, the newspaper reported.

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About the Author

Bob D’Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk