Powerful Earthquake Strikes Near Jamaica; Atlanta Group Prepared To Help

A sinkhole is surrounded by police tape after it appeared when a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Tuesday in the Caribbean. There were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries or more severe damage. The Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc. is prepared to help people in need however they can.

Taneos Ramsay / Cayman Compass via AP

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Tuesday some 87 miles from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ann Marie Rose, secretary of the Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc.,
Ann Marie Rose, secretary of the Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc., spoke to a family member who told her, “everything was shaking” during Tuesday’s earthquake. No major damage has been reported, but Rose said the association is ready to help if needed. (Courtesy of the Atlanta Jamaica Association, Inc.)

The earthquake affected the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Honduras and Cuba. News of damage has been relatively minor as of this reporting.

The tremor was felt as far north as Orlando, Florida.

WABE’S “All Things Considered” host Jim Burress  spoke Tuesday to Ann Marie Rose, secretary of the Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc.

Rose tells WABE she has spoken to a family member who told her, “everything was shaking.” Right now, Rose says, there is no damage to the family’s property.

The Atlanta Jamaican Association, Inc., Rose says, is prepared to help people in need however they can.

The association is watching the developments surrounding the earthquake very closely and is in close contact with the Jamaican Consulate General’s office in Miami to stay abreast of the latest developments.