According to the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, the temblor was felt approximately 11:41 p.m. and measured 3.5 on the Richter scale.

Its epicentre was located near Cheesefield, St Catherine, and was reportedly felt mainly in the Ewarton area of the parish.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, during an Earthquake Awareness Week church service held at the Kingston Parish Church yesterday, urged Jamaicans to place greater emphasis on earthquake preparedness by becoming better informed and more involved in the precautionary process.

State of readiness

Earthquake Awareness Week is being observed from January 11-17 under the theme 'Earthquakes Have No Seasons: Do Your Part, Be Earthquake Smart!'

Golding said the Government recognised the critical need to have its essential services in a constant state of readiness in the event of a natural disaster.

Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson Miller reminded that earthquakes could strike at any time, causing death and devastation in a manner of minutes.

About 200 earthquakes occur around Jamaica per year, most of which are minor, measuring magnitudes of less than 4.0. The most active areas are the Blue Mountain block in eastern Jamaica and the Montpelier-Newmarket belt in western Jamaica. Other areas with notable seismic activity include the near offshore southwest of Black River, on the south coast, and offshore Buff Bay and on the northeast coast.