Southern municipalities are reviewing their emergency plans in the face of new tremors in the midst of the pandemic

Faced with a new set of tremors reported in Puerto Rico with an epicenter in the southern area, the area’s mayors reiterated this afternoon a call to citizens to review their emergency plans for their families and have a pack of essential equipment on hand, including a mask and hand sanitizer, bearing in mind the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In general, no damage has been reported so far. We have already reviewed our contingency plans, we are alert, ready in case an event occurs “Juan Pablo Rivera, Director of Emergency Management at Peñuelas Municipality, said in statements The new day. Rivera indicated that his work team is already in contact with machine operators and public works personnel, as well as rescue workers and key workers should a situation of greater impact arise.

Two earthquakes of tentative magnitudes 4.8 and 4.69, about 47 minutes apart, were recorded this afternoon in Puerto Rico, the Seismic Network confirmed. No tsunami warning or warning has been issued. The first earthquake occurred at 12:46 PM and was 4.8 magnitude, with an epicenter 12.91 kilometers south of Guayanilla, near the seismic zone that has been generating tremors since last year. The depth of the earthquake was 2 kilometers, according to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network.

The second earthquake, reported at 1:33 PM, had a magnitude of 4.69 and had its epicenter, for now, 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 is the preparation, their backpack, their emergency plan for their family, we are available to guide and prepare them, including the mask and everything needed against COVID “Rivera said, indicating that Peñuelas mayor Gregory Gonzáez was attentive to the situation and in communication with the work team.

In Guayanilla, Emergency Management personnel have also been paying attention to the situation since early morning, the council spokesman Glidden López said after some mild tremors were reported.

“Already in the afternoon with what happened (the vibrations of greater intensity), they made a tour of all the houses and buildings that were about to collapse (after the earthquakes of January this year). So far, there have been no additional damages or phone calls from people who have suffered damage to their homes “Lopez said.

The spokesperson added that the emergency response staff will be working extra hours today, after 11 a.m., in the event that a situation arises. López also reported that Guayanilla’s interim mayor Johnari Pagán was in contact with elected mayor Raúl Rivera, who is already aware of all the emergency plans drawn up. He also reported that Governor Wanda Vázquez Garced contacted Nelson Torres, who resigned as mayor on December 15, although he is still monitoring the situation.

López explained that Emergency Management has prepared staff with emergency kits in the different communities, in the event of a potential event, and that in the event of a major emergency, residents can go to one of the sports parks identified as meeting points. The spokesperson indicated that municipal workers would serve civilians in several parks, as well as the plan to avoid crowds and contamination from COVID-19.

“The call to the citizens is that these places are only used when a major emergency occurs,” he said. “If someone comes to the ballparks now for fear, Emergency Manera staff will continue to give 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 and from the adjutant general of the National Guard, José Reyes, and that both said they were alert to the situation in the south.

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

“The intensity was palpable, it was strong, we all felt it,” said the mayor. “So far there has been no damage in Ponce”He emphasized and added that the municipality has its certified earthquake plan and that all associated personnel are alert to situations with major consequences that may arise. The first council of mayor said it communicated with other mayors in the south as well.

“Citizens must be ready with their package prepared, if they have medicines, they must be there. We have a group of over 350 community leaders trained in Emergency Management, from first aid, communication, everything related to dealing with an emergency “, he emphasized.