The Earthquake Unit (which continues to record seismic activities on the island today), recorded a 5.4 magnitude earthquake on January 13, 1993. It was the most significant earthquake recorded since 1957 and as a result of this earthquake, Jamaica experienced:
- Damage to houses, buildings and infrastructure. Approximately 518 families suffered loss of houses and properties; of the 518 displaced citizens, 450 were from Kingston and St. Andrew. Water infrastructure was affected as the Rio Cobre pipeline in Caymanas Estate was damaged because of liquefaction, a phenomenon in which “the strength and stiffness of a soil is reduced by earthquake shaking or other rapid loading,” (Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington). Liquefaction-related cracks were observed on the Hunts Bay Causeway Bridge and there was also damage to the National Water Commission Water Treatment Plant building, water mains and pipelines in several areas. Significant damage was also reported to the buildings of various educational institutions.
The earthquake triggered off power cuts and tripped up the telephone service, stalling the island’s communications system for hours. August Town near Papine was badly hit and houses were reportedly damaged.
- Injury and loss of lives. There were two fatalities, one of which was a result of the collapse of a cliff in Portland.
- Financial losses. Ahmad (2001) reported that economic losses were estimated at J$15,810,000. There were 7, 871 insurance claims reporting losses of about J$152 million dollars submitted to the insurance companies, and up to June 1993 claims in the value of J$24 million were settled. The estimated total cost of damages incurred by the earthquake was $200 million.
- Landslides. Landslides occurred along the Yallahs Water Pipeline route - between Hope River and August Town, Rest Haven and Bull Bay, and Cambridge and Eleven Miles. A landslide occurred in the limestone quarry located south of the Mona Reservoir. A number of roads were blocked or damaged as a result of landslides and the Government of Jamaica budgeted some $2 million for the clearance of roads.
Source: https://goo.gl/e9nAkw, https://goo.gl/ySjR1z