Powerful 6.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Guadeloupe — No Tsunami Warning Issued

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Guadeloupe early Monday morning, according to local authorities and seismic data from Colombia’s Geological Survey.

Key facts:

• The quake hit at 7:38 a.m. local time (12:38 UTC) on October 27.

• The epicenter was located at 16.54°N, -59.49°W, just off Guadeloupe’s eastern coastline.

• The depth was shallow — classified as “superficial” at less than 30 kilometers.

• Earthquakes between magnitude 6.1 and 6.9 can cause severe damage within 100 kilometers of the epicenter, especially in vulnerable areas.

• As of this report, no tsunami warning has been issued and no major damage has been reported.

A recent photograph shows flooded roads leading to Viard, on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, following earlier severe weather this month.

How to Stay Safe During an Earthquake

Preparedness is the key to minimizing risks. Families and workplaces are advised to conduct safety drills, establish emergency contact plans, and maintain supply kits with essentials like food, water, flashlights, and medical items.

To reduce potential damage, secure heavy furniture, inspect your home for structural weaknesses, and consider earthquake insurance, as standard home policies typically exclude quake damage.

During a quake, remain indoors if safe, and follow the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” procedure. Those using mobility aids should lock their wheels and shield their heads and necks. After the shaking stops, stay alert for aftershocks and avoid damaged buildings. If trapped, use a whistle or tapping to signal rescuers.

In coastal regions, move to higher ground immediately if a tsunami threat is possible. Use text messages to communicate and follow updates from official emergency channels.

Cleanup should be done with caution and proper protective gear. People with respiratory issues or children should avoid areas contaminated by dust or mold.
Being prepared and informed can save lives and ease recovery.

Twin Earthquakes Shake Eastern Caribbean

Earlier Monday, a 6.5-magnitude earthquake was recorded about 100 miles east of Guadeloupe, followed shortly by a 6.0-magnitude aftershock in the same area, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Both quakes were shallow, occurring at a depth of roughly six miles, and were felt across Antigua, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Despite their strength, no significant damage or tsunami alerts were reported.

Historic Perspective: The World’s Most Powerful Earthquakes

Earthquakes have changed the shape of continents and rewritten history. Some of the most powerful ever recorded include:

• 1960 – Valdivia, Chile (Magnitude 9.5): The strongest in history, killing over 1,600 and displacing millions.

• 1964 – Prince William Sound, Alaska (Magnitude 9.2): Triggered massive landslides and a Pacific-wide tsunami.

• 2004 – Sumatra-Andaman Islands (Magnitude 9.1): Caused a tsunami that killed more than 280,000 people.

• 2011 – Tōhoku, Japan (Magnitude 9.1): Led to the Fukushima disaster and widespread devastation.

• 1952 – Kamchatka, Russia (Magnitude 9.0): Generated 30-foot waves across the Pacific.

• 2010 – Maule, Chile (Magnitude 8.8): Shook central Chile, causing widespread alerts.

• 1906 – Esmeraldas, Ecuador (Magnitude 8.8): Triggered a deadly tsunami that reached as far as San Francisco.

• 1965 – Rat Islands, Alaska (Magnitude 8.7): Produced 35-foot waves, but few casualties due to its remote location.

• 1950 – Assam-Tibet (Magnitude 8.6): Destroyed villages and caused deadly landslides.

• 2012 – Sumatra, Indonesia (Magnitude 8.6): Powerful but caused limited destruction.