Southern municipalities are reviewing their emergency plans for new earthquakes in the midst of the pandemic

Faced with a new series of tremors reported in Puerto Rico with an epicenter in the southern area, mayors in the area reiterated this afternoon a call to citizens to review their family emergency plans and have a package ready with essential material, including a mask. and hand sanitizer, considering the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In general, no damage has been reported so far. We’ve already reviewed our contingency plans, we’re on alert, ready in case an event occurs “, said Juan Pablo Rivera, director of emergency management in the municipality of Peñuelas, in statements addressed The new day. Rivera indicated that his work team is already in communication with machine operators and public works personnel, as well as with rescuers and essential workers in the event of a greater impact situation.

Two earthquakes of preliminary magnitude 4.8 and 4.69, about 47 minutes away, were recorded this afternoon in Puerto Rico, the Seismic Network confirmed. No tsunami warning or alert was issued. The first earthquake occurred at 12:46 pm and had a magnitude of 4.8, with an epicenter 12.91 kilometers south of Guayanilla, near the seismic zone where last year’s tremors were generated. The depth of the earthquake, according to the Seismic Network of Puerto Rico, was 2 kilometers.

The second earthquake, reported at 1:33 in the afternoon, had a magnitude of 4.69 and had the preliminary epicenter between Guayanilla and Peñuelas, also about 2 kilometers deep.

“The reality is that there is a lot of fear among the citizens, what we insist on is their preparation, their backpack, their family emergency plan, we are available to guide and prepare them, including the mask and everything necessary against COVID”Rivera said, while indicating that the mayor of Peñuelas, Gregory Gonzáez, was attentive to the situation and in communicating with the work team.

In Guayanilla, emergency management staff have also been alert to the situation since early this morning, said municipality spokesman Glidden López, after a few minor tremors were reported.

“Already in the afternoon, with what happened (tremors of greater intensity), they made a round of all the residences and buildings in danger of collapse (after the earthquakes in January of this year). So far there is no additional damage or calls from people who have received damage to their residence. “Lopez said.

The spokesman added that the emergency management staff will work extended hours today, after 11:00 pm, in the event of any situation that may arise. López also reported that the interim mayor of Guayanilla, Johnari Pagán, has contacted the elected mayor Raúl Rivera, who is already aware of all the established emergency plans. He also reported that Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced had contacted Nelson Torres, who resigned as mayor on December 15, although he remained vigilant.

López explained that the emergency management has staff trained with emergency packages in different communities, in case of eventuality, and that, if a major emergency occurs, residents can go to any of the sports parks identified as meeting points. The spokesman indicated that the municipal staff will serve the citizens in several parks, as well as the plan that aims to avoid congestion and COVID-19 infections.

“The appeal to citizens is that these places should be used only if a major emergency arises,” he said. “If someone comes to the fear ball parks right now, Emergency Manera staff will continue to do rounds to guide them and keep their family plans up to date,” he said.

Ponce received calls from the governor and the National Guard

The Mayor of Ponce, Maria “Mayita” MeléndezHe also reported that he had received a call from the governor, as well as from the adjutant general of the National Guard, José Reyes, and that both indicated that they were paying attention to the situation in the south.

Meléndez said he was in a meeting with elected mayor Luis Irizarry Pabón and his work team about the preparation of the regional vaccination center against COVID-19 in Ponce, when they were surprised by the tremors this afternoon.

“The intensity was felt, it was strong, we all felt it,” said the mayor. “So far no damage in Ponce”He stressed, adding that the municipality has its certified earthquake plan and that all appropriate personnel are alert to any major impact situations that may arise. The first municipal executive said he communicated with other mayors in the south.

“Citizens must be prepared with the package prepared, if they have medicines they must be there. We have a group of over 350 community leaders who are trained in emergency management, from first aid, communications, everything to do with emergency management. “, stressed the.