Major Earthquakes in Jamaica

Jamaica has been affected by two (2) major earthquakes in the past.

The earthquake of June 07, 1692 was the most devastating earthquake in Jamaica’s history. The most extensive loss of life and damage of property occurred in Port Royal, where a portion of the land fell into the sea. At least 5,000 people died and 3,000 buildings were destroyed. There was also an outbreak of yellow fever after the quake.

Another earthquake that caused extensive damage islandwide took place on January 14, 1907.  About 1,000 persons died, many of them in the fire that followed the shocks.  About 9,000 were left homeless and many slept outdoors for over a month after the earthquake.

For more information, contact:

Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM)

2-4 Haining Road

Kingston 5, Jamaica, W I

Tel: (876) 906-9674-5 or (876) 754-9077-8

Toll Free: 1-888-225-5637

Email: odpem@cwjamaica.com