A magnitude 6.0 earthquake was reported Saturday morning east of Antigua and Barbuda, according to the U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake Center. The earthquake occurred shortly before 11 a.m. local time and was centered about 52 miles east of the islands in the Caribbean Sea.
Officials said light to weak shaking was reported across several nearby islands, though there were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries.
The earthquake was felt across parts of the eastern Caribbean, including territories and island nations throughout the Lesser Antilles region.
Epicenter
According to the USGS, the earthquake struck offshore in the Atlantic waters east of Antigua and Barbuda. Offshore earthquakes are relatively common in the Caribbean due to the region’s active tectonic boundaries, where several plates interact beneath the ocean floor.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Magnitude | 6.0 |
| Location | 52 miles east of Antigua and Barbuda |
| Time | Shortly before 11 a.m. |
| Reporting Agency | U.S. Geological Survey |
The depth of the earthquake and additional seismic details were not immediately released in early reports.
Regions
Several Caribbean islands and territories were listed among potentially affected areas.
| Affected Areas |
|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda |
| Puerto Rico |
| U.S. Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands |
| Dominica |
| Guadeloupe |
| Martinique |
| Montserrat |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| Anguilla |
| Saint Martin |
| Sint Maarten |
| Saint Barthélemy |
| Caribbean Netherlands |
| Venezuela |
Residents in some locations reported mild shaking, though authorities said the tremor appeared to be limited mainly to light ground movement.
Tsunami
The National Weather Service tsunami warning center stated there is no tsunami threat linked to the earthquake.
Officials confirmed there is no danger to:
- The U.S. East Coast
- Gulf Coast states
- Eastern Canada
Based on current earthquake information and historical tsunami data, forecasters said the event is not expected to generate a tsunami.
Seismic Activity
The Caribbean region experiences frequent seismic activity because it sits near the boundary of the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate. Earthquakes ranging from minor tremors to stronger offshore events are monitored regularly by regional and international agencies.
While a magnitude 6.0 earthquake is considered strong, offshore events often reduce the potential for widespread structural damage, depending on depth and distance from populated areas.
Emergency management agencies across the Caribbean routinely monitor these events due to the region’s exposure to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tropical weather systems.
Response
As of Saturday afternoon, there were no immediate reports of infrastructure damage, injuries, or disruptions to airports and ports in the region.
Authorities may continue assessing conditions throughout the day as aftershocks remain possible following moderate offshore earthquakes.
Residents in affected islands are encouraged to follow updates from local emergency management agencies and the U.S. Geological Survey for additional information.
The earthquake serves as another reminder of the Caribbean’s active seismic environment, though early indications suggest this event caused limited impact beyond light shaking across nearby islands.
FAQs
How strong was the earthquake?
The earthquake measured magnitude 6.0.
Where did the quake occur?
East of Antigua and Barbuda.
Was a tsunami warning issued?
No tsunami warning was issued.
Which areas felt shaking?
Several Caribbean islands reported shaking.
Were injuries reported?
No injuries were immediately reported.
