Earthquake shakes Cayman

| 19/01/2010

Earthquake Grand Cayman(CNS): Updated with full story 12:30. Although only a couple of seconds long, the earthquake which hit Grand Cayman 32 miles south of Bodden Town a little after 9:20am this morning (19 January) has shaken up the community. According to Hazard Management, the quake registered a 5.8 magnitude and was just over 6 miles deep. The earthquake comes days after the massive earthquake hit Haiti last week and more than five years since Cayman’s last major tremor in December 2004. Police said there were no reports of injury or damage to persons or property but are asking people to keep away from the sink hole in South Sound. (Photo by Simon Barwick – People pour from offices in Cricket Square as the earth shakes.)

All public buildings remain open, including the schools, but some private schools have told parents they may collect their children if they wish. While there has been no damage to property or people, Hazzard Maangement has confirmed that a sink hole has opened up in the Pirates Liar area of South Sound, a phenomena often associated with earthquakes.

Police said over 50 sightseers have now converged on the location and that number is rising very quickly. Superintendent Adrian Seales appealed for people to stay clear of the area. “We have police officers on the scene and efforts are being made to fence the sink hole off at present," he said. "However, the rising numbers of people converging on the area is causing us some concern. The roads are becoming congested and until the location is secured, and a safety assessment completed, we would not condone anyone going near to the property. I know people are curious – it’s a natural instinct – but I would urge people not to let their curiosity get the better of their common sense. Our colleagues from Hazard Management are at the location and are assessing the situation. I’m urging people to stay away from the area at present,” Seales added.

The Cayman Islands Emergency Communications Centre (CIEC911) reported receiving more than one hundred 911 telephone calls in the minutes following the earthquake. “There were no injuries and no reports of damage from the quake,” the 911 operators said, and the centre was in immediate contact with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii, which handles the Caribbean region, and was assured by the scientist on duty that there was no threat of a tsunami from this earthquake.

Emergency Communications Centre Manager Brent Finster said most of the calls were from people trying to find out what had happened: “911 calls received after the earthquake struck mostly dealt with people wanting to find out if an earthquake had really occurred or to notify us that they had evacuated their building and whether it was safe to go back inside. There were also a number of 911 calls regarding problems with telephone service,” he explained. Finster also reminded the public that the 911 emergency system should only be used by persons who need police, fire or Emergency Medical Services.

 The earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale occurred 32 miles south of Bodden Town, Grand Cayman at coordinates 19.021 N, 80 deg 50.77 minW at a depth of 6.2 miles. At 10 am, the Director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, McCleary Frederick said residents were able to return to offices and homes.

“Obviously in light of what has happened in Haiti, our residents are very sensitive to this type of occurrence,” McCleary stated. “We are fortunate that the Cayman Islands appears to have come through unscathed, but it is reminder for everyone that they need to know how to respond during an earthquake. In particular it is important to duck under a strong piece of furniture, or at least protect the head with arms.”

 He reminded business organizations, schools or other entities that the HMCI can perform an earthquake education session or drill to better prepare for them for this type of impact.

Shortly after the tremor the premier, McKeeva Bush called into the Rooster morning phone in show, Crosstalk, from Miami and said there was no need to contact the international press about the event. However, the quake had already been registered on the USG website and was picked in by the US media and CNN by around 10am.

The Cayman Islands Government has commissioned a seismic monitoring network, consisting of four state-of-the-art seismograph stations. Two seismographs will be located in Grand Cayman, one in Little Cayman and another on the Island of Cayman Brac. One of these seismographs in Frank Sound is already fully functional and the earthquake was detected locally and the information relayed through to HMCI as expected.

McCleary noted that earthquakes do occur from time to time in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands as the islands are located near to the boundary of the North American plate, with the Caribbean plate sliding past to the south.  Although this is located near the same boundary of the North American plate that caused the recent earthquake in Haiti it is not along the same fault line. In December 2004 a 6.8 magnitude earthquake occurred 20 miles to the south of Grand Cayman.

Since the formation of HMCI in 2006, the agency has embarked on a proactive public education campaign to raise awareness of the earthquake threat in the Cayman Islands. Earthquake drills have been conducted involving both private and public sector entities and the program has also been instituted in Government schools.

During this brief earth tremor there were also reports of some considerable fear in government schools and officials confirmed that teachers and other staff on site, along with RCIPS officers, are doing everything possible to maintain calm following reports of children fleeing from the school site at John Gray and literally jumping over the perimeter fences.

Chief Education Officer Shirley Wahler said the schools remain open and have received the all clear from Hazard Management Cayman Islands to re-enter buildings. Department of Education facilities officers will continue conducting in-depth evaluations regarding building integrity throughout today. Ministry officials also confirmed that all pre-schools, except Kid’s Adventure which closes at noon, will remain open today. Pre-schools have been contacted and officials confirm that all is well. However, parents wishing to collect their children may do so.

Aside from reports of the odd broken window there appears to be no structural damage as a result of Grand Cayman’s latest shake up but public works has said it will make building checks. Officials from the department said the potential for significant structural or system damages as a result of the event was not considered a severe threat to well-constructed government buildings. “However, PWD recommend that each site be given a careful walk-through to inspect for new or expanded cracks in walls, cracked glass in doors and windows, and any changes in appearances of ceilings,” officials added.

If any concerns are noted the PWD is taking calls on the HelpDesk at 244.4838 or 916.6694 and will dispatch crews as available.

Anyone wanting more information regarding earthquakes can contact Simon Boxall or Omar Afflick at HMCI on 526 2027

earthquake.usgs.gov


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  1. Tyrone says:

    You believe in this BIG bang theory right? Will, big bang this!!!

    A leading scientist was having a conversation with God.  He said "God we don’t need you anymore.  With our ability to clone and all we will know how to make man, in fact I will show you I can make a man". "Oh really, said God? Let’s see you do it" To that the scientist reached down for some dirt/mud from the ground…to which God said:  "Oh no buddy, make your own dirt first!"
     
    AMEN
     
     
     
  2. And the people all said says:

    Pardon me for interrupting.  This topic seems to have diverged from the earthquake to something else.  I found something quite by chance and would like to share it.

    "Quakers are known for their social activism, for instance in the campaign against the transatlantic slave trade. As well as campaigning for the rights of women, prisoners, and gay people.  A number of leading charities, such as Oxfam, and organizations such as Amnesty Internatrional and Greenpeace were founded with participation from Quakers as well. The fundamental Quaker belief is that it is possible to hav a direct experience with Christ without the mediation of clergy."

    They were also fundamental in the anti-war protests during Vietnam (I added that).

    Quakers were activists. As Jesus was. They used their faith for change.

    This should give us food for thought as to what religion – any religion – is supposed to accomplish.  At least it does me.

  3. Anonymous says:

    It appears from the picture that there is a drain pipe going into that sinkhole.

    If that was a soakaway for waste water from the building and soapy water has been draining there for years that could explain the sinkhole since the soapy water would have created a grease like substance underground which was displaced when the earth moved violently.

    Sinkholes happen all the time and are usually the result of softening of the earth by large amounts of water either from drainage or leaking underground pipes. Drainage will sometime create a crust that holds the water and displaces it when the crust breaks.

  4. D - London, UK says:

    Has the sinkhole been assessed by any kind of experts to determine cause?  This is a very serious issue which should be investigated by proper experts in that field who can recommend appropriate solution.  I trust that this will be the route taken as oppose to immediate filling.

  5. Anonymous says:

    1) Dec. 2004 (spared), 2) January, 2009 (spared) 3) date? (will we be spared again?)

  6. Concerned young caymanian mother says:

    CNS: As there has been another quake in Haiti; and we too have been hit by a quake just days after, do you think that Cayman will be effected  again?

    Also, will CNS be keeping tabs with our local Meterologists, to see if something may occur again? I find CNS to be very informative and I hope you will continue to keep Cayman posted as the entire Island and its people are at risk from this natuarl disaster.

    CNS: Thanks! I think the main lesson here is that earthquakes can occur at any time, so you need to find out what to do and make sure your kids know too.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is all up to God really.  Apparently.  Asking for a scientific opinion on this would be to deny God.  And the same goes for looking at weather forecasts when it comes to hurricanes.  Apparently.

      • Concerned young caymanian mother says:

        GOD made man, who made technology to help find out if, when and how these occurances happen. I am very GOD fearing. Just wanted to know if CNS will keep its site up to date…. thats all ;o))

        • Anonymous says:

          But that tecnhology has helped us find out about evolution which undermines the Middle Eastern creation myth that "God" made man.

          • Anonymous says:

            You may believe you have evolved from apes.  I believe we were created by the God who created everything we can see, touch, feel, imagine. Hmm – related to apes or related to the Creator.  I think you made the wrong choice! 

            • Anonymous says:

              Its not about choice you idiot, its about facts. You don’t choose your parents based on who are the best looking people in that age bracket! Likewise you don’t choose where you came from based on what appears to be a ‘nicer’ source, monkey or god. All, and i really do mean all, scientific evidence points to the fact that we evolved from apes. If you question who your parents are, you take a dna test to prove it, you don’t just live in blind hope its Brad and Angelina. 

            • Just wondering says:

              I’ll take indisputable science, you can take the creation myth of bronze age pre-Jewish tribes .  Your choice, my choice. 

    • Anonymous says:

      What do meterologists know about Earthquakes??

      Maybe you want to ask geologists or seismologist, they are likely to know more on the subject

      • Austin_Tacious says:

        They know a little bit more than Austin, Gilbert and Ezzard. That much is for sure.

  7. Anonymous says:

    We question your God’s role in our lives because the whole theory of such a God makes no sense.  How can I be afraid of someone a rank alongside Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy and the Boogeyman?

    Something that cannot stand up to questionning is almost always false.

    • Notorious says:

      May our God the lord our saviour forgive your soul!  Why dont you tell him that on Judgement day?  Lets see the coward that you really are going to be when that day comes.  I will pray for you for you surely are gonna need it!

      • Fickleburry Hunn says:

        Fear of pain in the afterlife, a great basis to encourage individuals to follow a moral code.  Personally, I believe a well developed moral compass needs no carrot (heaven) or stick (hell). 

  8. Anonymous says:

    What a DISGRACE.

    I started to read this page this morning from abroad and noticed that it started with a clear report on a natural event that could have been a disaster.  Thankfully (whether you decide to thank God or whatever else it is you believe in) no lives were lost! 

    You would think this report would be cause for celebration!  In fact it started out like that with one believer thanking God.   And why shouldn’t they thank something they believe in?  They didn’t force you to do the same or say anything at all offensive – it was their personal way of celebrating.

    How then did it degenerate to a God v Man argument?   And even MORE petty and ignorant, a Caymanian v Expat argument?  Have you forgotten that you’re STILL ALIVE?  And that you very well COULD BE DEAD?  Like the uncounted thousands/millions in Haiti?  Have you forgotten that you slept in a bed last night under a roof, and probably with the ac and tv running at the same time?  Have you forgotten that there is water to drink and food to eat and no need to rely on international aid?

    Petty issues like this should not erase your joy.  Unless, of course, you no longer value LIFE.

     

    • Limicel says:

      I actually found the God V Man and Caymanian V Expat banter far more entertaining than the back and forth about whose cell phone provider is better than whose.

      With respect to the other comments regarding the use of the thumbs up/thumbs down function. Some of us with nothing better to do just do it to get a rise out of people like you. it keeps us going through the work day. Just thought I would share that with you.

    • Sink hole troll says:

      "What a DISGRACE"

      It’s called ‘trolling’ and many readers are stupid enough to fall for it.

      Just say, for example, ‘Caymanians are lazy and stupid’, or, ‘God doesn’t exist, but if he did, he thinks that being gay is OK’ then you will get loads of people replying. It’s too easy, there is no fun in it.

    • Anonymous says:

      Totaly agree with your post!!! What you got to understand is that this is a typical Caymanian trait!!! Forget the 200,000 killed in neighbouring Haiti. Lets talk about our "sink holes" and how God spared us becuase we are a loving good people……

      Lets face it the vast majority of the local caymanian population are nuts!!! So just let them get on with it, and maybe, like the rest of the world, we can express our concern for Haiti, and try our best, any way we can, to try and help them…

  9. Darling says:

    Let us give God thanks for His Grace and Mercy.  Thank you Lord God for sparing our lives and protecting "all the people" that live in this country  as we experienced this quake.  We glorify you Lord!

    • Anonymous says:

      I live here and I most certainly am not praising you or glorifying you because you are figment of imagination. 

    • Anonymous says:

      If God spared us in Cayman, why did he kill thousands of innocent children in Haiti with an earthquake just last week?

      • Amanda says:

        Maybe you should read your bible more to find out exactly why this is all happening… Not only children died in Haiti adults as well… This is a wake up call for us all but no it’s ignorant people like you that has causes His wrath to be shown. You should have been big enough to have indicated your name and email address so that we would address you correctly.

      • Anonymous says:

        Have you not heard the comments of Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.

        According to him the disaster was caused by the USA carring out a nuclear test. If he is right then God had nothing to do with it.

        Of course only idiots like Chavez and those on the same level of mentality likehim would even think of that.

      • Anonymous says:

        Why not ask HIM.  HE said "Call unto me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou hast never known". KJV

  10. tom b says:

    I visited your beautiful island two years ago. Fell in love with your people, foodand friendly way of life. I am glad to hear of very little damage and my heart and prayers go out to all of you and also the people of Haiti. Do not let the negative posts on hear be dishearting, all of you in the Cayman Islands are people i keep close to my heart and look forward to when i go back to your country again. all the best and keep the faith.  tom B. from Arizona.

    • Notorious says:

      Tom we all love you too and hope that someday soon you will be able to come back and visit us all.  We as Caymanians also wanted u to know that we appreciate you too.  May God bless you.

       

  11. Anonymous says:

    I hear from a Caymanian that area of the sink hole is a gigantic underground cave that extends from the sea all the way to the other side of the street to a pond back in the 70’s called the tarpon pond, before the dredging of that South Sound beach and filling in of tarpon pond back in the 70’s;  and that it is the roof of that small part of the gigantic cave that collapsed from the earthquake that caused the sink hole, and that the building by it and behind it is built on top of the gigantic cave.  We strongly recommend those buildingss to be demolished that is built on the cave, it will only be a matter of time before the building collapse as more of the cave roof collapses, and God forbid it happens when people are home sleeping in their beds in the dark of the night!  Why wait?  Be safe!  It is dangerous and unsafe for the buildings right around that sink hole which is actually a partially collapsed large underground cave.  You don’t have to listen, that is your choice, but it would be very wise to listen and obey!  It could save lives.  Prevention is better than cure, sometimes it’s too late for cure when lives are already lost.  Take the advice of the older Caymanians, they know alot more about their land than you can even comprehend or understand… 

    Watch how much fill it’s going to take to try to fill that; keep in mind, it is an underground cave filled with the sea, it’s huge, and the size of the sink hole isonly a small part of that underground cave…It is going to take alot more fill than the size of the sink hole as the fill spreads out underneath when it reaches into the gigantic cave that spreads out on both sides filled with the sea.  The fill will keep eroding until that whole cave is filled, but the problem is that the mouth of the cave is in the sea, the sea will keep eroding that cave, how will it ever stay filled, let alone how will they even be able to fill the whole cave???  They would have to demolish the buildings around it, and dig through until they expose the whole cave, then fill it all back, but then you got the mouth of the cave in the sea, how will the erosion of the fill stop???

    • Don't 4get me says:

      Maybe you should buy the property, secure it then demolish the buildings over your gigantic cave yourself.

    • durrrr says:

      glue?

       

      ordid you smoke it all?

    • Anonymous says:

      I remember Tarpon Lake being on the other side of the road some distance to the east of that sinkhole. the road and beach were already there so that is not a man made beach. There was a wharf going into the lake where people fished for tarpon, and even though there were not many tourists in those days tourists used to visit it like an attraction. I doubt the lake was connected to the sea by a cave though, and I never heard anything about a cave leading to the sea. If there had been it would have been almost impossible to fill the lake as you suggest it will be difficult to fill the sinkhole. Also the water was fresh to brackish and it was more like a swamp. So I guess this is just really a sinkhole and the people in that area are in no more danger than the rest of us at this point. Caution id good though…

      • Anonymous says:

        the cave was in tact back then, it didn’t need filling, the roof was in tact, now it has had damage to the roof of the cave, so no, the cave didn’t need filling back then.  How you think the tarpon got to the pond on the other side of the road?  they swam through the cave back and forth from sea to pond, the cave is below the road, no one demolished the cave and filled it in to make the road, the road is built over the cave.  Comprende???  The cave is below the beach under water.  You could say it is an underwater cave that is close to the surface of the land then, does that help you understand more???  This cave is huge, that is why the tarpon freely go back and forth to the pond across the street back in the day, because it is so much open space for them to swim through.  What is not huge is the opening in the sea to the cave, that is why alot of people don’t understand the scope of that cave, because the mouth of it in the sea is small.

        It was stupid to fill it so quickly without doing an assesment of it.  They should have sent divers down to explore and give a report.  Bad Move!!!  I believe it will be a problem soon again, watch!!  the cave roof is now split open and damaged and marl fill can’t repair that underwater cave roof!

        • Anonymous says:

          Your explanation sounds reasonable but its nonsense. The pond was stagnant with no cave connection to the sea. By the way do you know that you can just dig a well in any part of cayman and within months tiny fish appear? I have experienced that over and over. Thats from underground streams – not necessarily caves. I do agree that they should have not filled the pond though.

          There are lots of other ponds in Cayman with tarpon that have no cave connecting them to the sea. Infact most of these are fresh to brackish water. And the eggs travel throw the porus limestone.. Get it?

    • frank rizzo says:

      We live on a dangerous planet called Earth. If a geological study determines that the area is hazardous to build on then the owners should decide what to do with existing homes and Planning / prospective owners should be conscious of the hazardof future building. If the cave, if existant, needs filling, Mother Nature will attend to it. Man v. Mother Nature rarely results in a win for man in the long run. I actually agree with your post but only wish to add that, in my opinion, attempting to fill the cave may appear effective in the short run but the Earth will eventually decide what will happen in the long run. Filling that cave now could result in an now unseen adverse effect somewhere else.

  12. Anonymous says:

    If you don’t believe in God, then please do not mock those who do.  This is a Christian country and we are free to worship God.  If you have any sense at all, please do not mock God. because he will not be mocked.  We should all be on our knees thanking God that he spared us from the same fate as Haiti and that he will continue to spare us and our neighbours from more earthquakes.

    • Anonymous says:

      If your God spared us why did he allow the disaster to happen to Haiti? 

    • Anonymous says:

       But your god still cursed you with an earthquake, if he actually loved anyone here he wouldn’t have caused an earthquake in the first place. what kind of sycophant causes someone to get ill then makes them get better just to prove that he can make them better? In the same way, why would a god send an earthquake but only cause a little bit of damage to prove to everyone that he could have killed thousands if he wanted to, like he did in Haiti?

      But then again perhaps it was plate tectonics that caused the earthquake and determined the magnitude of it? The power of nature……

  13. Anonymous says:

    I hope Mr Burns Connolly and Rene Hislop and The EL PremierO along with big Joe Imparto and the rest of the Canal digging Gang take a good look at tht hole at Pirates Liar in South Sound before they go digging around and putting massive holes in this Island in Emerald Sound and Half moon Bay Dock project Which is actually on a Fault line that runs right across the island to Queens Highway and near our water lenses. Heed the warnings  those who push nature will understand she can and will push right back leave the south side of this island alone Mckeeva.

    • Sir Henry Morgan says:

      A 6ft deep canal on the south side of the island isnt going to make any difference… but if we keep getting those quakes on the south side the island is likely to break free and slide into the Cayman Trench. Check out the satelite images of the area.

      South of cayman runs about 6 miles deep so i recomend sleeping in a life jacket or purchasing an air matress.

       

      Jah kno!

      • Anonymous says:

        I wonder if that is in the bible………

        • lol says:

          Actually, the Bible does state that in the last days the Islands and mountains will be cast into the midst of the sea.

  14. Anonymous says:

    ….reminds me of Ivan. Ssshh, don’t tell anyone. We don’t need your help, even though Ivan has trashed Cayman. Luckiy the earthquake did virtually nothing, or I’m sure it would be the same. When will Government put aside this ridiculous pride and do something sensible.

    • Anonymous says:

      Official CIG pre-prepared press release for all natural disasters in Cayman:

      "There is no earthquake/hurricane damage here.  No really there is not.  There is no need for anyone to doubt us.  Please don’t come to report on the non- existent damage.  We are all fine.  Please do not change your plans to come here and spend money.  We want your money.  Our large selection of Rolex watches were unharmed by the earthquake/hurricane. "

    • Joe Bananas says:

      On the day they become what they are not now.

  15. Anon says:

    This is the problem with too much cultural diversity! We true Caymanians/christian believers are not even allowed to speak of God as we wish without it being shoved down our throats that we MUST NOT talk like that! How very sad! We have always been a God fearing nation and all these foreigners who come to our island or come on this site and want to tell us not to talk about God, not to believe in God, not to bring God into our everyday speech! It’s sad, rude and down right disrespectful! If you don’t believe in God that’s your business, but how dear you force your beliefs down my throat!? I BELIEVE IN GOD! I was raised that way and I have no regrets about knowing about God! If you don’t believe in him that’s your problem not mine, so keep your nasty opinions to yourself and don’t force your beliefs on me as I am not forcing mine on you! Thank the good Lord above for sparing our lives once again. I just pray that he doesn’t punish us for all the none believers who spew their hate around. I hope we don’t all have to suffer for the bad!

    • Anonymous says:

      r u implying God punished so many innocent people in Haiti for the sins of a few?  and r uimplying that God chose to spare a large number of savage criminals to continue their reign of terror on the helpless? i think it’s sad, rude and downright disrespectful to even have such thoughts. believing in God does not allow you to hate non-believers and likewise non-believers are not imposing their ideas on you.  so mutual respect is the least we can ask for. grow up and be big enough to understand that people who are victims of natural disasters are not being punished for their sins.  they just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. fact of life!

      • Anonymous says:

        To anonymous at 18:58 – what are you talking about? And who are you referring your comment to? Because you are so far off the mark if you are referring to my comment at 16:20 that you probably need a compass to get back on the same page as me! lol…I think you seriously need to grow up and at least learn how to read and understand what a person is trying to say. If you’re referring to my post at 16:20 what I was trying to say is that I hope God doesn’t punish the Cayman Islands anymore because of all the people that are saying all these negative things against HIM! If I was a non believer like you I wouldn’t care what you say, but when you blasphem against my God it scares me and I don’t want to be punished because of people like you and your beliefs! And yes alot of comments on here are telling christians that they have no right to believe in God and no right to talk about God! So yes you people very much are "imposing your ideas on us!". I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase one bad apple spoils the bunch…well the good could very well suffer for the bad! He surely showed his wrath with Hurricane Ivan….I certainly don’t want to go down that road anytime soon again.  My comment had NOTHING to do with what you are trying to imply and I feel very sorry for all those poor people in Haiti. It’s a terrible heartbreaking tradegy and I’m so thankful to God that we were spared such devastation. So please read carefully before you open your silly mouth to comment on something you obviously have no understanding of!

        • Anonymous says:

          my dear friend, i am very happy indeed that i’m not on the same page as you, at least in my beliefs. it is very hard to understand someone who has contradictory thoughts like "thankful to God that we were spared such devastation" yet "feel sorry for all those poor people in Haiti" who by your reasoning were inflicted by an act of God, who must have some good reasons for choosing Haiti over Cayman.  Yet Cayman was not spared when Ivan hit. i have no doubt that Cayman is a more corrupt and immoral place now that in 2004, with so many of "us" expressing ourselves freely on this forum, and downright exploitation, dare i say slavery, of rather helpless low-income expats at its peak. by your logic, maybe, just maybe God got the wrong coordinates but then God Almighty does not and cannot err. or maybe he was just freeing those poor people in Haiti from their miserable life, noble deed indeed. do you really believe that God is such a sadomachist to inflict such pain on his children. worse still you believe that God will torture us in the afterlife if we don’t live in his fear. pain, fear, torture…begs the question whether you actually believe in God or a perverted entity who has no better way of "marketing" a belief system than nourishing FEAR in his people. makes me wonder how Satan can be any worse! think about it for a minute. btw if there is a bad apple in a bunch, i am sure that God is smart and powerful enough to remove just the bad apple before the rest go bad. i am sure that your way of thinking is engraved in your heart and soul and no "silly" human like me can change that and i respect that.  but please agree to disagree with other people. someone who does not think like you does not have to be "silly". Beware that God will record such negative remarks towards others in your personal file and your judgement day sure will come.

    • Anonymous says:

       And as a Caymanian and a none Christian believer please don’t lump the too things together. please stop shoving god down our throats, not every one wants to hear about your magical wizard who punishes people with earthquakes and kills hundreds or thousands of innocent people in the space of 1 minute. If you do believe in god, that is your business, stop bringing it up at every opportunity and the non believes will stop questioning it!

      • Anonymous says:

        God is just showing heathens like you that he do exist. Know what you want to do? Just try to stop him, you certainly need prayer, and another thing you are not a Cayman, you are one of the PIRATES.

        • Anonymous says:

          So god killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people in Haiti to show us heathens that ‘he do exist’. Nice set of beliefs you have there buddy, you must be so proud of him!

          I’m sorry but I didn’t understand a word of the rest of your comment. I am not a cayman? I though a cayman was a rather wonderful island or possibly a misspelt crocodillian but not a descriptive term for a person? 

    • frank rizzo says:

      As a member of a free and democratic society you are free to speak of God as you wish, no one is stopping you. At the same time other members of our society are free to speak critically of your speech. We are all allowed to passionately and lawfully defend our beliefs, and in a truly free and democratic society no holders of a particular position should seek to silence or otherwise deny the lawful expression of a different opinion.

      The problem is not cultural diversity. The problem is cultural immaturity.

  16. Anonymous says:

    About the use of the "thumbs up, thumbs down" option. Some of you on here need to grow up. People make comments which are of their own opinion and in good taste, and once it has a religious overtone you ‘dislike’ it.

    For once can’t people justshut up and just be grateful for the fact that all who reside in Cayman were kept safe during the earthquake, whether it be from luck, God, Allah or whom/who ever else!?

    Stop the religious (or lack thereof) bashing. Today is a time to be thankful no matter what you believe.

  17. Anonymous says:

    Sometimes I wonder who post some of these comments.  Some of them are very immature, disrespectful and unnecessary.

    Yes it was a minor earthquake, but it is not a laughing matter.  Are you the same ones laughing at Haiti or are you just completely oblivious to what happened there or could have happened here.

    Natural disasters are not prejudice and can occur anywhere!  If you were here during IVAN you would know that.  We were all at the same "social status" after and I didn’t see anyone laughing then.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Sometimes I wonder who posts these as well because clearly they do not think before they speak (or rather blog on CNS).

      It is serious, no one here claimed it wasn’t, what is laughable are the comments that some feel the need to share with others when most of them are so ignorant that they then become laughable.

      People have never liked being told one thing when they clearly believe another, which is what happens when GOD is brought up at the center of  discussion when a natural phenomenon has occurred.

      Ever wonder why the world has had so many wars and will continue to do so till the end of time, religion, look it up….

  18. Anonymous says:

    At least us expats can’t be blamed for this!

    • Anonymous says:

      Hey Moron,

      I’m an expat and that comment does not help Caymanian/ Expatriate relations in any way. Why are you fueling a fire and instigating? Lately every single article on CNS ends up coming back to religion and/ or expatriates, when the initial article has nothing to do with it. Have you read the title of this article? Quite sick of it really. Unity is something many Caribbean islands pride themselves on having, but Cayman lacks it. Why? Because of SOME ignorant Caymanians, and just as many ridiculous expats. Caymanians in general are wonderful people and like ANY other country, there are a few who make the majority look bad. Just like there are a few expats who make the rest of us look bad.

      • And the people all said says:

        Sit down.  You’re rocking the boat.

        Right on.  Well said 16:11 this Cayman-Expat thing has run out of legs.  It is getting so ***damned boring.  Every now and then some nutball from either side decides they would like to have little fun and see what kind of sh*t they can cause.  Grow up dude.  Dye your hair, get a tatto or something… cause I’m an expat I’m getting tired of it.

    • Anonymous says:

      It’s obviously a result of a combination of the following:

      (a) expats +

      (b) god +

      (c) UDP

       

      And god is a result of the big bang from moma and papa god.and ignorance is bliss!

    • Anonymous says:

      But isnt it the new Governor’s fault 🙂

    • Anonymous says:

      True dat!

    • Don't 4get me says:

      Hold on, we can’t rule that out just yet.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Why is it that whenever something happens it is associated with an act of God?

    Clearly these people who  reference all things to God have not been informed of the FACT that we are situated on top of fault lines. For those who do not know what a fault line is I suggest you go andread up on it, and you will not find a definition in the Bible so look elsewhere. 

    The FACT that we are situated on fault lines means that it is not an act of God, but rather Mother Nature or better yet if you can get your head around this one, a natural phenomenon that happens daily through out the world.

    The sheer ignorance and stupidity that  people feel the need to share with everyone that we are being punished by God barely warrants a response, but I will ask them this…If this is a sign from God, perhaps you could enlighten us all on the message he was trying to send to Haiti?

    Take your heads out the sand and perhaps you may actually understand what goes on around the world, and then we won’t be subjected to your ignorant resons for everything you are surrounded by.

    • Anonymous says:

      If you will check your property insurance you will probably find that it includes such things in the category of "acts of God". 

      Who is Mother Nature? Is she a goddess? 

      Mark 13:7,8

      "And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not get alarmed (troubled and frightened); it is necessary [that these things] take place, but the end is not yet.

          8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering [only the first of the birth pangs]".

      • Islandboz says:

        I remembered now why I would run home from Sunday School, with the exciting thoughts of reading my “Brittanicas”…. hoping it would let me forget the BS I had just heard.

        Enjoy your everlasting life….I will settle for whatever nature gives me 😉

        “Make no mistake I am Caymanian”

        -Islandboz

    • Anonymous says:

      Why is it whenever something happens people like you come out of the woodwork doubting God’s power?! I am Caymanian, born and bred. We are neither ignorant nor stupid just because we don’t use scientific reasoning to explain everything that happens. We know what happens around us and we acknowledge it but we know the truth. God is sending us a message that the world has become too corrupt and filled with sin and it’s time we realized that. Cayman is a Christian community and God is our strong point, He is the rock of our salvation, our foundation upon which we stand and its people like you who He’s trying to get that point across to! who forget that He is the Almighty. That yes,we are on fault lines, and yes it is a natural phenomenon but who do you think caused it? Who do you think created those fault lines? Mother Nature?? No, it was God! and I would very much appreciate if you would stop putting down our culture and heritage because being Christian is a part of who we are and if you don’t like then go stay with Mother Nature. 

      • Anonymous says:

        Are you implying that God Favour Cayman over all the other countries? Are you implying that God don,t favor , other countries such as hati or Cuba or Jamaica or any other country for that matter? If that is so you are terribly mistaken. Some of the most viscious wars in history started because of religious intolerence. Cayman is not the most godly country on earth. Just remember Ivan, and the storm that hit CYB. God is impartial he favors all man kind, not those who are rich or more religious than others.Calling yourself a Christian and at the same time spewing hate against persons you think is some-how below your class is blatant evil. The greatest commandment is LOVE, Not Hate because of country or culture or religion, or how poor a country is perceived to be. Get a grip on your self blogger. Get real.

  20. Anonymous says:

    As a parent of a 7 year old at St. Ignatius, I must commend them for the orderly and professional manner in which they controlled all students. The school field was used to maintain control over the elementary students and I was able to pick up my daughter with no problem. However, whilst driving past the John Gray School, I saw what can bedescribed as nothing less than utter chaos. It appeared that the students were the ones in control.

    And for the bloggers making crude and irresponsible remarks about the Premier and others- I say that you should grow up. The situation this morning could have been alot worse so we have alot to be thankful for.

    CNS- as always thanks for your wonderful coverage!

    • SUGA says:

      And could there have been more positivity in your statement about the government schools.. Or your point is – that catholic school needs to help the public system….

      • Anonymous says:

        his point is that private schools are better than public – the teachers control the kids in private while the kids control the teachers in public ~ get it?

    • Anonymous says:

      McKeeva needs to stop trying to cover up events in the Cayman Islands in order to save a buck! We could have been another Haiti if it was closer and would have needed the US to help us too! Why does it have to be a big secret that we had an earthquake??? No one knew at the time that nothing was going to come out of it (and hopefully nothing will!). Isn’t this the same man who told the world after Hurricane Ivan that nothing was wrong and stopped the ships from coming in and providing food and water!! Grrrrrr!!!

      • Anonymous says:

        With improved communications & advances in social networking since Ivan (sms, facebook, etc) McK & gov’t can’t keep us quiet! We will let the world Know what is going on in our country. It took Cayman Prepared 3hrs to put up info on quake….it was old news by then.  Cayman gov’t – can you keep up?!

    • Anonymous says:

      To Mr. Bush in Miami  –  the press can help deliver the message about life & safety issues.  If he knew all was well in Cayman he could have briefed the press about the status of his country.  He needs to keep his eyes on the road when he drives through south sound so he won’t fall into the sink hole.   There’s an old saying, "fake it to you make it".    Hope Miami was a good trip!

  21. Anonymous says:

    A story of the quake is on the front page of CNN’s website and is scrolling by on TVs all over the world and our Premier is calling Rooster to say that there is no need to tell the international media. That would be funny if it was not so pathetic and clueless. 

    Where is the official statement from the Premier’s office indicating that there is no significant damage, that tourists can still plan to come here for their holidays and that the financial sector was unaffected? Where is any evidence of leadership?   

    • Anonymous says:

      I was not listening to the show, but does anyone know if he actually addressed the people? Did he offer any calming words of advise? Just a thought…

  22. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Lord for keeping our island and people safe.

  23. Anonymous says:

    Does anyone know if any divers felt the tremors?

    • NSS says:

      We talked with a friend who was on a dive with Ocean Frontiers this morning.  All the divers but one had returned to the boat.  The one in the water was the only one to feel the quake.

  24. Anonymous says:

    Can’t quite work out why everyone is thanking god for this earthquake only causing minor damage. Seems to me like thanking a burgular for only taking your TV and not your DVD and Stereo as well?

     

    I reckon that the only way to appease god would be for all the Christians on the island to give all of their worldly possesions away to charity, then maybe god would stop sending natural disasters our way.

    • anonymous says:

      Why is it never Lucifer or Satan that gets the blame?  Didn’t the shaking come from downstairs?

    • Anonymous says:

      What will please Him is less wickedness and blasphemy. 

      He is God, and this earth is His. Analogies with burglars are therefore inappropriate. He  has given us a warning. Let us heed it.   

      • Anonymous says:

        Well lets get this straight, It is your opionion that the earth is his, please don’t state it as a fact as you would need to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the earth was his for it to be a fact. Don’t confuse opionion with fact. Remember that most people on this planet do not agree with you that your god owns this earth.

        • Anonymous says:

          Where did you get that from? That most people on this Earth don’t agree that God owns this Earth. And if not him tell me who? Because you need to get your brain check and have all that science crap dump out of it. And take a good look in the mirror and ask who made you? And while you at it, take a carefullly look and see how unique the human body works together with the brain and then hopefully you would acknowledge there is a God and stop posting rubbish of disbelief on CNS.

          • O'Really says:

            I’m sitting on my sofa, using a laptop with a wireless connection to read your post to an online news service which uses a server in a foreign country. You used a computer to write and transmit your post and you are calling science " crap " and you are telling someone else to get e brain check? Genius!

             

          • Anonymous says:

            Natural selection, genetics, a light sprinkling of embryology.  Sure explains it all to me when I look in the mirror.

          • Anonymous says:

            Well there are 6.7 billion people on this planet and around 1.5 billion christians, so yes most people on this planet do not believe in your god. In my view, the people of this earth own this planet.

            As for science crap? do i actually need to answer this? ok sod it, just for the sake of this discussion, you do realise that a car works because a scientist engineered and designed it, do you drive a car. You do realise that doctors are scientists, do you go to see doctors? you do realise that medical drugs you take are created by scientists? you do realise that the computer you are righting on was made by a scientist? It is impossible to live in this world without believing in science since almost everything in your life was made or created or discovered by scientists. If science is crap – then stop using your car, stop seeing doctors, don’t use medicinal drugs etc etc etc

            Finally there is nothing unique about the human body, we are almost identical in design to the great apes, could god not have come up with a new design?  We will shortly be using pig organs for transplants since we have an almost identical set of internal organs including kidney and heart.

             

      • Anonymous says:

        Wow – the God I was raised to beleive in did not teach me to fear His wrath in the lessons He teaches. 

        We should thank God we are safe, but acknowledge that nature is what it is, and some of the natural disasters in the world are caused by people and what we have done to our environment while other just are what they are and always will be. 

        I felt very angry when I heard people after Ivan saying God was showing his vengence, was striking those down for their actions etc.  God would not in my opinion scare, hurt or kill innocent children or adults for that matter just to get at those few who you peope think need punishment!

        Thank God you dont’ dole out punishment to society or we’d all be burning right now. 

        So I will go on believing in the God the bible has taught me to know as a loving, forgiving God who does allow the world to go on and is saddened by situations that cause pain and death, but I have the common sense to know that there is a certain amount of science involved in natural disasters.

        If God were to punish as you are implying one would think that lightening would just be zapping around hitting the intended targets and not the innocent.  Does that make you afraid to go outside in the next storm!  LOL

        • Anonymous says:

           i’m not a religious person but i have utmost respect for this particular christian. Well done, a wonderful post, if only the other christian nutters on this site were as enlightened, understanding and intelligent as this poster. This actually gives me some hope in the world.

          Thank you, i respect your christianity.

  25. Anonymous says:

    whats the point of the island being put under a tsunami if the Government and Havard Management don’t tell us, or have no way of warning us. Shouldn’t there be a siren based system that warns inhabitants of the island as and when a Tsunami warning is declared? How else are we meant to know?

    • Anonymous says:

      Where you gonna go if you get this warning?!!!

       

    • Anonymous says:

      In other countries the idea of a tsunami warning (and sirens to tell the public about it) is so people have a chance to move to higher ground …. what are we going to do here … run up Mount Trashmore?  What does the Hazard Management group expect the public to do in the event of a Tsunami?

    • Anonymous says:

      Hazard Management Dept is a waste of money

  26. Anonymous says:

    This is a warning from Allah because we are letting the Gay cruise ships come here!

    • Anonymous says:

      The ships aren’t gay. It’s the passengers on them!

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you for the warning you just gave us with your comment!  The warning that you must be certifiably insane!!!

      God created those peope on those "Gay ships" and you think He would basically give the people on this Island a death threat because those "Gay ship" people are going to visit?

      I can only thank God at this point that He will have a very special white jacket for you when you arrive in heaven after He forgives your bigotted way of thinking.

      I can only pray that you were joking!

       

  27. Anonymous says:

    People if you have no emergency to report WHY OH WHY are you calling 911??? Imagine if it was someone that actually needed some assistance, please 911 is not information, it’s for emergencies only.

    • Anonymous says:

      It is for the same reason that he refused to allow international media flights to Cayman after Hurricane Ivan. If you pretend it didn’t happen, maybe no-one will notice and then back to business as usual!!! Of course, if we actually need help, that may not be the best approach.

    • witless says:

      because we are scared and stupid enough to vote for Mac.

  28. NOFavours says:

    I am curious to know why our Premier felt it necessary to state that there was no need to inform the international media? He should rushing to assure the world that we are all fine and that Cayman’s infrastructure withstood the test. This man demonstrates daily that he needs some lessons in PR… oh, wait, isn’t that Elio’s job?

     

    Also, I hope Mrs. Wahler and the school Principal will be doing something to address the utter chaos that ensued at the JGHS.

    • Anonymous says:




      I am sure it will be swept under the rug along with all the other embarrassing incidents at the Department of Education.

  29. Nicky Watson says:

    I have just spoken to the Chief Education Oficer and all public schools are in session.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thanks Nicky!

    • Anonymous says:

      Maybe the Chief Education Officer needs to take a drive in GT and find out why so many High School Kids are on the road then….Oh look there goes a High Schooler outside my house hang on let me ask him….Ok back now… Yep he said schools out. School may be in session but it’s obvious most kids are not in school. People go make sure your kids are where they are suppose to be.

  30. Anonymous says:

    What is that comment by Mr. Bush,  "McKeeva Bush called into the Rooster morning phone in show, Crosstalk from Miami and said there was no need to contact the international press about the event."

    Does he really need to keep Cayman out of the international press? That sounds like a statement that a Communist Leader would make.

    Any idea why he would say such a thing?

    • Who you fa says:

      You honestly need to find something to do. Seriously

    • Anonymous says:

      Regardless of what Mr. Bush did. There is somthing called the Internet. Those of youon the island must use your internet phone service and email any photos of the "Sink Hole" and all other earthquake related visible fears or affects to CNN. News  In light of an ignorant individual at the captain’s wheel you should prepare yourselves to research as much as possible everything and anything regarding educating yourselves on earthquakes around the world and in the Islands of the Caribbean. We can not allow ignorance to rule in these serious times. Being prepared  calls for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and most of all ‘EDUCATION"

       

       

  31. Anonymous says:

    Our Premier called Rooster and said that there was no need to tell the international media about the quake??????

    I am not sure what century he is in or what he understands about modern communications, but someone should let him know that within an hour of the event you could go on Google and search for news reports within 24 hours on the quake that happened an hour earlier and there were already more than 10,000 items on line including CNN and most other international media. Now there are more than 50,000 items including photos.

    • Anonymous says:

      Do you not remember the same man’s reaction to Hurricane Ivan. Reports were that he refused to allow international media to land here to report on our plight. If we don’t talk about it, it never happened!

  32. Columbo says:

    For all those believing the "triangles of life" email going round or spoken about on the radio

     

    Please read the following link from the red cross, about it bing false

    http://www2.bpaonline.org/Emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html

    Also note that the author of triangles of life is being invstigated for fraud of 9/11 compensation funds by the US Justice Office

     

  33. Anonymous says:

    Just heard the roof caved in at the strand, can anyone confirm this?

    If so was anyone injured?

  34. Anonymous says:

    CNS will you post the picture of the sink hole in south sound anytime soon.

  35. Anonymous says:

    CNN is carrying a photo of the South Sound sink-hole apparently produced by the earthquake.

    http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-395681

     

  36. someone who cares :) says:

    For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. St. Matt 24:7 HHhmmm what do you think? coincidence?

    • Anonymous says:

       Hmmm.. is any of this NEW?

    • Anonymous says:

      I think horse shoot.

    • Dred says:

      OOh boy…DIVERS is not divers like in water. It is meant as in VARIOUS or more like Diverse places.

      Don’t bring meaning to thinks that have no bearing on things.

      • Anonymous says:

        If you add to the word of God he will add damnation to you and if you take away from his word he will take away your blessing. Be careful dont alter the biblical words. It says "divers" and that mean divers. How dare you to change the word of God

        • Anonymous says:

          Actually, I think he said it in Hebrew or Greek or Aramaic or something like that – and they didn’t have divers until Bob Soto invented them in the 1950’s – and I think God spoke about this even before then –  so one thing I am absolutely certain of is that God never said divers.

        • Dred says:

          Huuuummm. How much do you know about scriptures?

          First the bible had to be TRANSLATED from greek to the english language. After this it had to be interpreted and rearranged in the english language to make sense.

          The problem in all of this is words of one time being understood in another time.

          Let me see if I can bring this to bear with an example.

           

           

          Revelation 13:1 in the original Greek:
          kai eidon ek thV qalasshV qhrion anabainon econ kerata deka kai kefalaV epta kai epi twn keratwn autou deka diadhmata kai epi taV kefalaV autou onomata blasfhmiaV

           

          Now here is the literal transalation in English WORD 4 WORD…

          Revelation 13:1 in literal (and word-for-word) translation:
          and I-saw from the sea a-beast stepping-up having horns ten and heads seven and upon the horns of-it ten diadems and upon the heads of-it names of-blasphemy

           

          Now as you can see straight translation don’t work so well as in some languages words tend to move about. So that’s translation. Now comes INTERPRETATION or making sense of what is being said.

          King James Version:
          and I saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads, the name of blasphemy.

          The Living Bible:
          And now in my vision I saw a strange Creature rising up out of the sea. It had seven heads and ten horns and ten crowns were upon its horns. And written on each head were blasphemous names, each one defying and insulting God.

          Phillips Modern English Bible:
          there rose out of the sea before my eyes an animal with seven heads and ten horns. There were diadems upon its horns and blasphemous names upon its heads.

          Revised Standard Version:
          And I saw a beast rise up out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with diadems upon its horns and a blasphemous name upon its heads.

          Today’s English Version:
          Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with a crown on each of its horns and a wicked name written on its heads.

          New International Version:
          And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.

          The Jerusalem Bible:
          Then I saw a beast emerge from the sea: it had seven heads and ten horns with a coronet on each of its ten horns and its heads were marked with blasphemous titles.

          New English Bible:
          Then out of the sea I saw a beast rising. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten diadems, and on eachhead a blasphemous name.

          Now you see what we are really looking at?

          Take the word Blasphemy which shows up clearly in the text straight translation. Only the King James version actually has Blasphemy and not Blasphemous in it now.

          When you try to make sense of it you need to change the words some to fit the proper speech layout.

          So "divers" could have been "diverse" or some other completely different word after direct translation.

          Hope that helps you grasp this better.

           

    • Anonymous says:

      Divers are generally really nice people and care about the environment. I think it is wrong for any wrath to be visted on the places they frequent.

      • Anonymous says:

        Now that was cute – thanks for the laugh and I am sure God didn’t mean nice divers!

      • Anonymous says:

        Now that was cute – thanks for the laugh and I am sure God didn’t mean nice divers!

  37. annoymous says:

    daffy duck

  38. CaymanLover says:

    What did Cayman ever do to Pat Robertson?

    Its great we can all sit here and make light of a potentially serious situation.  Thankfully we survived it and without major disruption.

    The flip side is that it shows how unprepared we are, in the event we got a worse quake.

    Where I work, I stood in the doorway, some went under desks and some ran screaming outside.  I think its worthwhile coming up with a plan to use as a guide. Make sure you have a first aid kit and stored food/water (basically what you’d have if a hurricane was coming).  Flashlights and maybe designate someone to co-ordinate and ensure all soulsare accounted for.

    As we now know these things come fast and furious.  Let’s be prepared in case we can’t joke about the next one!

  39. Anonymous says:

    bodden town school closed and sent home children to empty house’s……..without calling parents

    CNS: No public schools were closed and no children were sent home. All public schools are in session.

     

    • Anonymous says:

      Thanks CNS for clearing up the drivel that some people like to post. Some idiots really need to think before they post. Some attention seeker has probably worried a few parents now who falsely believe that their kids are home alone.

      • nonsense says:

        Their kids were probably at home alone after sneaking away from school. It was chaos on Walkers road well after all the clear was signaled.

  40. "Anointed One" says:

    People of Cayman we need to wake up and start looking at our lives in a more serious manner.  We post cynical comments about our Heavenly Father being mad and this is why He’s doing these things.  The Bible has to be fulfilled and if we take them out and go to the book of St. Matthew 24: reading 3-end, we will understand that his word HAS to be accomplished.  It CANNOT and WILL not return unto Him void.

    We should count ourselves lucky. God stands alone.  He is to be given praise and glory for all His majesty and power.  1st Chronicles 29: 11-13 tells of His greatness.  We are living in perilous times, and we are also behaving like the people of Sodom & Gommorah.  God destroyed them, because of the idolatry and evil behaviour, and for their ungreatfulness.  We we all need to take heed.  

    He has spared us yet another time from major disaster.  We should all give thanks, and praises unto the most High God, for He alone is worthy. 

  41. Anonymous says:

     DONT LET ME COME DOWN THERE!!!  GOD

  42. Anonymous says:

    I just saw the picture it’s about 20 ft wide.

    • Anonymous says:

      How about sending the picture to CNS so that they can post it for the rest of it to see?

  43. Anonymous says:

    Yes, there is every truth to the sink hole picture at Pirates Lair – I live there and have seen it!

  44. Gary says:

     

     NOAA handles tsunami warnings. Theydon’t have an Atlantic/Caribbean center because the threat is less, so the Caribbean region is handled by the Pacific Center.http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/?region=4


    No threat of tsunami.

    Info about the earthquake is athttp://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010rrbc.php#detailsif you have not already seen it. Click on the "did you feel it" link and click on the report if you or anyone you know felt anything. It really does help us update hazard maps since we don’t have "California networks" of seismometers out there.

    It occurred far enough offshore there should be no to little damages. The tsunami would be the greatest risk, but it was a strike slip fault, which has little to no vertical motion which is what generates tsunami. Generally there is no such thing as a continuous fault — even the San Andreas has many large nearly parallel faults with similar faulting styles that accommodate most of the movement — and that appears to be the case here: different fault but same fault system if that makes sense.

    I’ll keep my ears to the ground and let you know if any further info pops up. It will be interesting to see if this is associated with the Haitian quake or if it is just a coincidence. 

    And if this is something that you care about for you and your family, UNESCO gathers tsunami warnings and emails them to subscribers when official centers issue an event. You can subscribe athttp://ioc3.unesco.org/itic/contents.php?id=142

  45. Anonymous says:

    George Hicks is closing! An email has been circulating that it’s closing.

    CNS The email is a false rumour. The Departmenbt of Education Services has said that no public schools were closed at any time or will do so as a result of this mornings quake.

  46. Be prepared says:

    If you need to know what to do in an earthquake go to the FEMA website at: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/eq_during.shtm

    In addition to what’s happening in Hatii, Puerto Rico has been also experiencing minor tremors for the last five days as well as other parts of Central America. 

    Be prepared.

    • Anonymous says:

      Cayman seems to have no planning procedures for events such as this.  They distribute whole leaflets on planning for a hurricane, but many offices and schools seemed to have NO emergency evacuation procedure.  I think this should be a wake up call and we should be thankful we have had a second chance to get prepared in case of a larger event.  Hellooo Government, anyone there to put standards in place??

      • Anonymous says:

        Ummmmm….unlike hurricanes you get no notice of earthquakes. If an earthquake strikes, the consensus of expert opinion is "duck and cover."

        When the earthquake is over there are three possibilities:

        1. Everything is fine, so you check on loved ones and get back to work as soon as possible.

        2. Everything is cracked and not looking so good, so you get your backside outside as quickly as possible; or

        3. Everything has fallen down on you andx if you are lucky enough to have survived, you wait for someone to help dig you out.

        There is no evacuation procedure. You cannot see it coming and get away from it. It happens and then it is over. When the quake is over, if there is no damage, there is not going to be damage. If there is damage it might get worse, particularly if there is an aftershock, so get out fast. What exactly do you want Government to tell you?

         

  47. Anonymous says:

    I heard that it was Mac and Kurt on a seesaw!

    • Anonymous says:

       Do you think this is a joke?  This is not funny at all, so leave politics for once out of this!  This is a wake up call from God….these are the signs of the times and we all need to pray and be ready!   So don’t laugh at Gods will for he could make things worse for us if he wanted to.

      • Anonymous says:

        There’s a seat waiting for you under the "The End is Nigh Tent" at the end of Bobby Thompson Way. (How do these people get away with this?).

        Let’s all take it easy and just respect mother nature, who was at work this morning settling down the caribbean plate…. if there was a message from God this morning I sure missed it (but then the phones were out weren’t they?)

      • Columbo says:

        You mean this is the first time the earth have ever experienced earthquakes?

        LOL sign of the times, wake up from God!

        This is nothing unusual, much bigger quakes have hit in the Caribbean hundreds of years ago and there are signs that bigger ones hit for thousands of years.

      • Anonymous says:

        The very thought that God causes earthquakes (or doesn’t prevent them) to punish people is about as far from Christianity as you can get. So why don’t you sell your crazy elsewhere. I hear Pat Robertson and Rush Limbaugh are buying.

      • Anonymous says:

        r u retarded or something? y do u have to associate everything that happens (good or bad) to God? u can pray all u want but the fact is that Cayman is near a fault line and has always experienced tremors in the past and it’s only a question of time when the next tremor happens.  one can only hope that a major quake does not happen in one’s lifetime.  

      • Anonymous says:

        It was the act of two plates shifting, so leave religion out of it for once!

    • Anonymous says:

      Grow Up!!

    • Anonymous says:

      Not funny. These are serious matters.

  48. Anonymous says:

    Tsunami Threat

     

    Nobody has raised this issue yet….any constructive ideas?

  49. hmmm... says:

    any truth to this picture being sent around of a sink hole at pirate’s lair in south sound?

    • Anon says:

      Yeah I’ve seen that – its right by my a friend of a friends house and they are reporting it to be true?

    • Anon says:

      Yes it’s true. I’ve seen the picture…

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, there is a photo in The Compass online – at Pirates Lair.

  50. Recently Enlightened says:

    I have been listening to the radio today regarding this event and noting the calls coming in from the general public. I am sick of hearing from these people throwing information over the airwaves for less knowledgeable persons to consume. Information should be disseminated by professionals or at least relayed from authority sources. These regular callers to the talkshows should NOT be allowed to talk about such things. They can feel free to details their experiences but NOT put forth advice. Political hopefuls, business owners and retirees; you are NOT experts no matter you may think. I don’t need to note their names, we all hear them and know who they are. They always seem to be experts on everything that’s going on. A lot of the information they distribute over the airwaves has shaky credibility or contain multiple truths. Whether if they heard this, they read about that, they got an email about something else. It is very disgusting to listen to these persons ramble on. If the topic at hand is not your area of expertise, keep quiet and wait for the professionals to comment. You are NOT doing anyone a favor by spewing your ideas and opinions for the public to consume.

     

  51. Anonymous says:

    I live on the bluff on cayman brac. Didn’t feel anything, but got concerned when i noticed that the phone lines weren’t working! Hope noone was hurt by this. Thank you lord for your mercies!

  52. Anonymous says:

    I heard Credit Union has a crack in it’s building. Any truth to this?

    • Mozzie Fodder says:

      Nope, just a hole-in-the-wall…..

    • Yep says:

      Yes there is a crack in the Credit Union busilding but they are sending her home for the day…Yeeehaaahaaahaaahaah

       

                (    00  )

                      ||

                  [][][][][]

                  [][][][][]

                                 Ha ha ha ha

       

                

  53. Anonymous says:

    CNS: What is happeing with the JGHS/GHHS? are we to pick up our kids do you have any news?

    CNS: No, all public schools remain open.

  54. noname says:

    I hear the high schools are closing…..any other schools like primary schools closing?

    CNS: All public schools remain open. We will be posting an update on the earthquake shortly.

    • Anonymous says:

       St. Matthews University has closed for the day pending a building assessment.

  55. Anonymous says:

    While the tremors were scary, it is important to note that there are no reported injuries or major structural damage. Internet and telephone services were not seriously disrupted – any problems making calls were likely caused by network congestion. E-mails, texts, and BlackBerry service continued unabated.

    We are indeed fortunate, in that we live in a country with good building codes and infrastructure. We are also fortunate that the magnitude and location of the quake spared us major damage.

    Aside from feeling a little unsettled at feeling the earth move, it is business as usual in Cayman as we all continue with our day’s work – and count our blessings.

     

  56. Dean Robinson-Nelson says:

    what the hellis wrong with that comment about the cause of the earthquake was our leader jumping up and down. As you may notice that I gave my name so everyone will know who made this comment. Mr. or Mrs annonymous that was an eathquake it is niothing to joke about, are you crazy?  the least you could have done was to say thank you lord. In a situation like this please do not post comment if it is a stupid one. Why does everything have to be all about politics. It would be your pleasure to blame this on the Mac but he is not that mighty.  for christ sake get a life and be grateful we are not Haiti right now Mr. or Mrs Annonymous.

    • Chanze Bush says:

      Dean Robinson-Nelson, I totally agree with you, the stupity of some people dont stop and they are the first idiots trying to blame Mac for this, Your also right about him not being that "mighty" cause if he can stand in Florida (where he is as the quake was going on) and jump up and down and cause a quake in these Islands then why are we serving a God we cant see, cause that would prove to us "fools"  we are serving the wrong God and should be serving one we can see….. Please people William Mackeeva Bush is no God. And not the blame of this quake we all felt this morning, idiots find better comments to put on this site you wasting peoples time. I too have sign my name to this comment cause unlike the annonymous fools am not afraid to share my opion with a name. And yes I am the primer Niece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   

  57. Michael Ryan says:

    It was minor tremor and it is a testimony to the high construction standards of the islands that there was little or no effect at all. Everything here is business as usual.

    At our resort we followed our procedures to insure everyone was safe and after a thorough check all our staff and guests are back to enjoying their time here in the Cayman Islands.

    I have heard no reports of any damage or other effects except for some intermittent telephone disturbance, none of my phones or email was effected.

    Michael Ryan, Owner, Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman Resort

     

     

     

     

    • Ritz Employee says:

       Hey Mr. Ryan,

      A Caymanian employee of yours here; pay no attention to the small-minded haters who have no idea how many Caymanians you employ and how good you pay, and how many people you’ve helped.

      Not to mention, what an amazingly down to earth fella you are.

      It’s idiots like that, that make me hang my head in shame…

      Regards,

      A faithful employee.

      PS. See ya in the lunch room…

      • Wya Surfin? says:

        Shouldn’t you  be working instead of surfin?  Maybe Massa Ryan needs to dock unna pay…

      • Rorschach says:

        Garth,

         Get off the computer and go and pick up Michael’s dry cleaning…

  58. Concerned Parent says:

    Public school kids are wandering amok, unsupervised, off campus around Walkers Road.  Don’t the public schools have some sort of plan for emergencies?  If this had been a more serious quake they wouldn’t even know who was missing.  

    • concerned says:

      "Don’t the public schools have some sort of plan for emergencies? "

       

      NO! They don’t even have an organised fire drill in place since they have built on the playing fields where students used to have to congregate in case of emergencies.

      It would be interesting to know when the fire department last carried out an official fire drill on the JGHS site.

      • Anonymous says:

        It is the responsibility of each individual school to carry out fire drillson a regular basis.  The Fire Department does regular inspections to ensure that the equipment such as fire alarms are in good working order but fire drills fall within the discretion of the schools.

    • Anonymous says:

      After reading some comments about the unspervision of students at public school on Walkers Road, I did my own investigation.  I spoke with a lady who was at the George Hicks Campus at the begining and saw nothing of the disorders that are being mentioned on this site.  My sister went to collect her daughter from the GHC because of listening to rumours; agan she reported nothing of the unsual.  The school nurse at John Gray said that the only confusion she saw was being created by parents who parked themselves at the entrance of John Gray to collect thier children even though being told that school was in session.

      Sometimes we need to check facts, before we spread rumours.  I am a parent that have children both at High and Primary school, I was just as concern as others.

  59. Anonymous says:

    Any reports of damage?

    CNS: Not that we have heard. I’ve updated the article to include this to include this.

  60. Dred says:

    During the past week and not counting after shocks we have had quite a few earthquakes in our neck of the woods.

    Today alone there has been 3 or more in our area including ours. The Virgin Islands had a 2.8 @ 5UTC and Panama/Costa Rica border had a 4.7 @ 7UTC then came ours at 14UTC with 5.8.

    Going back we also see that Guatamala had a 5.8 also on Monday and Venezuela had a 5.6 on Friday. Haiti was on Tuesday of last week.

    Saying that we are ina active time right now so lets all be calm but informed.

    I would throw this out that in times like this I believe all Radio Stations should switch to an emergency broadcast mode. As most people were disjointed from their relatives because of phone line failures it helps us all to know what is going on to ease our fears.

    I would ask that Hazard Management co-ordinate with all Radio Stations to set up a policy for events of this nature. No one wants to hear music or what a store is selling at that time so stop all regular broadcasting and give us NEWS.

    Again in times like these I would say the #1 Rule is always to be CALM and non kneejerk reactive. The world is not coming to an end. Calmly do what you need to do to make sure all is well with your family and listen for more updates.

  61. Anonymous says:

    We need to look at the possibility of tsunamis hitting the Islands, as a result of these more frequent earthquakes.

     

    Does anyone know if there’s anything planned?

    • Anonymous says:

      Do you  have any idea what a tsunami is?  How it is formed and how fast it moves?

  62. Anonymous says:

    Its a ripple effect earthquake. a slip quake in Haiti, one in Venezuela, one in the Drake passage, one in Guatamala passage and now one in the Cayman Thrench.  It was 6.2 miles deep in the Thrench and approx 35 miles off Bodden Town. Everyone should be giving God all the Praises, by getting down on your knees and Praying.  Changes in lifestyles should be something to start doing and not considering, because it came when you lease expect it.  So too shall the Lord come.

    • Anonymous says:

      Agree 100% no ones know the time when the lord is going to come, so we all need to be ready and prepared .

  63. Anonymous says:

    I will go with a tectonic plate shift over god as the probable cause

    • In the beginning says:

      But tectonic plate theory is only a theory . . . .

      • Anonymous says:

        good point !… but if god created us who created god? a result of the big bang between father and mother god?

        • Anonymous says:

          God is only a theory  in himself .. created to maintain order, his followers however tend to panic the most.

      • Robert Ibeh says:

        Tetonic plate shifting is not a theory, it’s been happening for millions of years and will continue to happen. It’s what caused the continents and other small land masses to be in the geographic positions they are in today.

        • In the beginning says:

          That is what they say about evolution too and we don’t beleive in that.

    • Anonymous says:

      Me too.

    • Anonymous says:

      Who moves the tectonic plates?

  64. Impressed! says:

    Way to go Wendy/Nicky… posted 21 minutes after the occurance.. you ladies are world class!!!

     

  65. Anonymous says:

    I live in Savannah and was asleep but awaken by what i thought was someone jumping up and down on the bed! At the same time the bed (very heavy and wooden queen size) moved and i heard a very loud rumbling sound outside similiar to thunder.

    My mom said the sofa she was sitting in moved with her and other furniture and household items shook but nothing fell out of cabinets.

    Even though this was quite a moderate quake with likely aftershocks we as a nation must remain vigilant and not become complacent because this quake did not bring lots of damage. Have a family plan in place for earthquakes; not only hurricanes and fires.

    God continue to bless the Cayman Islands

  66. Anonymous says:

    God is so Good!!… Thank God it was only a 5.8…

    You know wat this is… a warning people…God is mad and he’s taking it out on the world… We need to change our life styles!!!!

     

    Hope God have mercy on us next time we feel a earthquake!

    • The truth is out there says:

      As I thought…. here we go !

    • Anonymous says:

      yeah maybe we need to have an animal sacrifice to keep the gods happy……zzzzzzzz

      • Anonymous says:

         

        How disrespectful.

        It is times like this, when we all need to be very grateful, especially that no one was injured. I for one will continue to pray and give thanks to God for keeping us safe.

    • Chicken licken says:

      Speak for yourself, you religious lunatic…this is a geological not theological event !

       

    • Anonymous says:

      Why then, would God take his anger out on a poor already decimated and poverty stricken country like Haiti? Why would he not focus his anger on the wealthy countries that encourage greed and selfishness?

      Get a grip you sorry-ass deluded idiot.

    • Anonymous says:

       These things happen from time to time. I am of the opinion that God allows less than pleasurable occurrences to come about for reasons which no mortal are entirely sure of. To say He is mad at the world is a misguided interpretation of events.

  67. The truth is out there says:

    See more here:

    http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2010rrbc.php#details

     

    I wonder how many is going to run to the streets saying the world is going to end now !

  68. Anonymous says:

    LIME was up for most numbers but the other companies were down!

    • Anonymous says:

      LIME cell phones are down and still are.

      • Anonymous says:

        cable and wireless (LIME) working good for me! I believe others couldn’t get through to others because everyone was trying to call eachother to see if they had felt it and were okay. Phone congestion.

      • Anonymous says:

        LIME CELLS WORKING GREAT! But I still cant thru to my nanny on her Digicel and she cant call out on her Digicel either. how do I know? because I have LIME  DSL internet at home and that is also working and at least she could email me to tell me. Digicel, NOT WORKING!

  69. Anonymous says:

    I have it on good authority that the cause of the quake was Beloved Leader jumping up and down after someone had the nerve to suggest that he cut down on his expenses. The last time someone tried to tell him that was a little more than 5 years ago and at that time the shock was even bigger. 

    • philip says:

      don’t forget he has lost weight  since 05 , hence only a 5.8

    • SUGA says:

      At such a serious time unna still trying pull down the government. Why should he, the previous government had a great time such a good time that unna children nah got any high schools completred and the GT PRIMARY still not completed… But the george towners cant see that their children suffering due to the expenditures of their good government.

      but $50 a vote is better than a school – you see stupidity votes for stupid governance.

      five years ago when we experianced the country not being broke – which government left the country broke?  or five years ago when it was clear that the opposition should be re-picked as turtle meat was a better option than the people that had faitn in a new government…. too funny

      Now to the events of today – god is good and wonderful cayman and its people are all good..

    • Night Flyer says:

      You are funny,alway’s give me a laugh.

    • Anonymous says:

      By my reconning…..I think the leader of the opposition is the porky one now!!  Don’t you see Mac looking leaner and trimmer so guess what……"The fat jokes are getting stale now".

  70. Anonymous says:

    Thank you lord for your blessings on our islands!

    • Anonymous says:

      I think Haiti and numerous other tradgedies in the past have proved that God doesn’t exist.

  71. Anonymous says:

    Thank God that we are all okay!!

  72. North Sider says:

    BlackBerry Messenger still works if you can’t get through to people.

  73. Anonymous says:

    I understand there can be after shocks…..could they be worse than the 5.8 magnitude?

    I felt my whole house move, it was scary and I quickly ran outside. How deep was the earthquake?