Magnitude 4.5 Earthquake this morning – ARUBA REGION

I wonder whether Aruba tourism will be promoting this news at the Boston Travel Show this weekend? Come to Aruba for our blue sky’s, white sandy beaches and 4.5 magnitude earthquakes. In the past two years, Aruba has had several earthquake-like happenings affect their tourism … now they get the real thing, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake. Although this is considered a light earthquake, it is far from a category of minor.

That is what was reported from the USGS: Magnitude 4.5 – ARUBA REGION, 2007 March 22 12:57:07 UTC

Region ARUBA REGION
Distances 50 km (30 miles) ENE of ORANJESTAD, Aruba
90 km (55 miles) NW of WILLEMSTAD, Curacao, Neth. Antilles
135 km (80 miles) N of Coro, Venezuela
1830 km (1140 miles) SE of Miami, Florida

The Severity of an Earthquake

Richter magnitude scale

Minor 3.0-3.9 Often felt, but rarely causes damage. 49,000 per year (est.)

Light 4.0-4.9 Noticeable shaking of indoor items, rattling noises. Significant damage unlikely. 6,200 per year (est.)

Moderate 5.0-5.9 Can cause major damage to poorly constructed buildings over small regions. At most slight damage to well-designed buildings. 800 per year

THE EARTHQUAKE STORY IN HAITI YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IS HERE