T&T seismologist calls for proper building codes after 5.7 earthquake

(Trinidad Express) Trinidad and Tobago should develop its building codes properly, implement legislation and introduce investment to secure recovery in the event of an earthquake.

Seismologist at The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre Dr Joan Latchman made the statement after a 5.7 earthquake was felt in various parts of the country at 8.22 a.m., on Thursday.

The earthquake was located north of the Paria peninsula—10.6 degrees north, 62.56 degrees west and at a depth of 79 kilometres, and

occurred 87 kilometres east of Carúpano, Venezuela, 105 kilometres west of Port of Spain and 125 kilometres north-west of San Fernando.

It was felt in St James, Morvant, Chaguanas, Tobago, Grenada and St Vincent. Residents in Glencoe, Diego Martin, Rio Claro, Biche, Arima, Princes Town, Mayaro and Brasso also reported feeling the earthquake.

Via a telephone interview, Latchman said: “We need to ensure building codes are done properly, enforce legislation and introduce investment to secure recovery.