News Releases

UWI Seismic Research Centre Urges Preparedness After Major Venezuela Earthquakes

For Release Upon Receipt - June 29, 2026

St. Augustine


SRC Director says public should not be alarmed, but should remain prepared in the region’s active seismic zone

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – 2026 June 26 — Following public concern over recent major earthquakes in Venezuela and a separate earthquake between Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada, The University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC) stated that the magnitude of the Venezuela earthquakes has caused disruption to the entire Caribbean Plate due to the significant amount of energy released. The UWI-SRC is currently seeing a small increase in the number of regional earthquakes at present in response to this.

Dr. Erouscilla P. Joseph, Director of the UWI Seismic Research Centre, said that while all earthquakes occur within the broader Caribbean-South American plate boundary zone, the events occurred as a result of different tectonic processes.

“At this time, there is no evidence that the earthquakes are directly related to the same fault system,” Dr. Joseph said. “While all earthquakes occur within the broader Caribbean-South American plate boundary zone, the events occurred as a result of different tectonic processes. Earthquakes of this size can influence stress in the surrounding region, but it is generally difficult to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between individual events.”

The UWI-SRC is responsible for monitoring earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis in the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean.

Dr. Joseph noted that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake is considered a major earthquake and is significant on a regional scale. However, she explained that earthquakes of this size occur somewhere in the world almost every year. While the Venezuela event is among the larger earthquakes recorded globally this year, it is not among the largest earthquakes recorded worldwide over the past decade.

What makes the event particularly noteworthy, she said, is its occurrence near populated areas and the fact that two large earthquakes occurred within less than a minute of each other.

“It is relatively uncommon but not unprecedented,” Dr. Joseph said. “Large earthquakes can occur as complex ruptures involving multiple fault segments or closely spaced seismic events. The occurrence of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake followed approximately 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake suggests a complex rupture process involving significant stress release over a short period.”

Preliminary analyses indicate that the earthquakes occurred within the active plate boundary zone between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The region contains several major fault systems, including the El Pilar-San Sebastián fault system and associated offshore structures. Detailed studies are ongoing to determine the exact fault segment involved.

On whether citizens in Trinidad and Tobago should be concerned about further seismic activity closer to home, Dr. Joseph said aftershocks are expected in the vicinity of the Venezuela earthquakes, and some may be felt in nearby areas. However, she said there is currently no evidence suggesting an increased likelihood of a major earthquake occurring in Trinidad and Tobago as a direct result of these events.

“The public should not be alarmed, but they should be prepared,” Dr. Joseph said. “Trinidad and Tobago, like Venezuela and many other Caribbean countries, is located within an active seismic region where earthquakes can occur. Events such as this remind us of the importance of preparedness.”

The tsunami threat issued after the earthquakes was later cancelled after tsunami specialists evaluated seismic data and sea-level observations from regional monitoring stations and deep-ocean tsunami detection systems. These observations showed no evidence of a significant tsunami being generated, and the forecast wave heights remained very small.

Researchers are now examining the earthquake source characteristics, fault rupture process, aftershock distribution, ground shaking patterns and any evidence of seafloor displacement. Data from seismic stations, GPS networks and sea-level monitoring systems are also being reviewed to better understand the event and its implications for regional seismic hazard assessments.

Dr. Joseph said that if an earthquake of similar magnitude occurred near Trinidad, the level of impact would depend on several factors, including the earthquake’s depth, distance from populated areas, local ground conditions and the vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure.

Older buildings that were not designed with modern seismic considerations may be more vulnerable than newer structures. A strong nearby earthquake could cause damage to buildings, utilities, transportation networks and other critical infrastructure. Continued efforts to improve building practices and preparedness remain important.

In response to videos showing people running outside during strong shaking, Dr. Joseph said strong earthquakes can be frightening and people’s instinct is often to run. However, moving during intense shaking can increase the risk of injury from falling debris, broken glass or collapsing building elements.

The recommended action is to Drop, Cover and Hold On until the shaking stops. Once it is safe to do so, people should calmly evacuate if necessary and move to a safe open area away from damaged structures and other hazards.

Members of the public are encouraged to know safe actions during earthquakes, identify safe places in their homes and workplaces, secure heavy furniture and appliances, prepare emergency supplies and discuss family emergency plans.

“It is natural to feel concerned when a major earthquake affects a neighbouring country, particularly one with which we share such close ties,” Dr. Joseph said. “The SRC remains committed to monitoring seismic activity across the region and providing timely, reliable information so that individuals, communities and governments can make informed decisions.”

She added: “This earthquake is a reminder that while we cannot prevent earthquakes, we can reduce their impacts through preparedness. The goal is not to be fearful, but to be ready.”

The UWI Seismic Research Centre continuously monitors seismic activity across the Eastern Caribbean and provides real-time earthquake information through its website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. The public is encouraged to stay informed through these official channels and to use events like this as an opportunity to review their earthquake preparedness plans.

END

About The UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI-SRC)

The Seismic Research Centre was set up in 1953 and became part of The UWI in 1962. From its headquarters in Trinidad, it operates a volcano and earthquake monitoring network throughout the English-speaking Eastern Caribbean islands extending from St. Kitts & Nevis to Trinidad &Tobago. The UWI-SRC is responsible for monitoring earthquake and volcanic activity in these islands. 

The region in which these countries are located is seismically active and historically has been the site of earthquakes of magnitude greater than 8.0. There are at least 19 live volcanoes in the region, which have been the sites of numerous eruptions, most recently in Montserrat (1995-present), Dominica (1997, phreatic) and St. Vincent & the Grenadines (2020-present). The UWI-SRC currently manages the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), which is responsible for monitoring the on-going eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano.

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region. Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also spring boarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.

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