Earthquake activity spikes across the Caribbean region

A moderate 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook eastern Jamaica early Tuesday morning, with the epicentre located 80 kilometres east of Manchioneal, Portland, rattling residents across the eastern parishes.

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Jamaica at approximately 3:18 am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. According to the Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, the epicentre was located 80 kilometres east of Manchioneal, Portland, with a focal depth of 10 kilometres. The tremor was classified as moderate and was felt across eastern parishes. The shallow depth of the earthquake meant it was widely felt at the surface across the affected areas.

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake at a shallow depth of just 10 kilometres is significant for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Shallow quakes tend to cause stronger shaking at the surface, increasing the potential for structural damage in vulnerable communities. Eastern Jamaica, including Portland and surrounding parishes, would have experienced notable tremors.

The event underscores the Caribbean's ongoing seismic vulnerability and the critical importance of earthquake preparedness across the region.

"The epicentre was located 80km east of Manchioneal, Portland, with a focal depth of 10 kilometres — classifying it as a shallow, moderate earthquake."

— Earthquake Unit, University of the West Indies

Scientific monitoring and public information: The UWI Earthquake Unit promptly recorded and reported the 5.6 magnitude event, identifying its epicentre 80km east of Manchioneal with a shallow 10km focal depth. The unit serves as the primary seismic monitoring body for Jamaica and the region.

Media reporting and public awareness: Jamaican media outlets moved quickly to inform the public, classifying the earthquake as moderate and noting it was felt across eastern parishes. Timely reporting plays a critical role in public safety during seismic events.

This 5.6 magnitude earthquake is a stark reminder that the Caribbean lives on shaky ground — literally. Jamaica's eastern parishes were jolted awake in the pre-dawn hours, and while this event appears to have passed without major incident, the shallow depth of just 10 kilometres should give us pause.

The Caribbean cannot afford complacency when it comes to seismic preparedness. The region's earthquake monitoring infrastructure, led by institutions like the UWI Earthquake Unit, is indispensable but must be continually resourced and upgraded. Equally important is ensuring that building codes are enforced and that communities — particularly in vulnerable rural areas — know what to do when the ground shakes.

This is not a story about one earthquake. It is about the region's readiness for the next one.