Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management

4A Orange Grove Road,

Trincity, Tacarigua
Phone: 1 (868) 640-1285
Fax: 1 (868) 640-8988

PUBLIC ADVISORY
Wednesday February 23, 2011 – 12:30 p.m.

Rumours of an earthquake are false

Following Tuesday’s earthquake in New Zealand, messages and rumours began circulating
via Twitter, Facebook, networking websites and Blackberry Messenger about an earthquake
that is expected to occur on the morning of Thursday February 24. In light of this, we
highlight the following:-

o At this time, Scientists are still unable to predict the location of, time and date
when an earthquake will occur;

o The Eastern Caribbean (including Trinidad & Tobago) is a seismically active area
which will continue to have earthquakes of varying magnitudes;

o The UWI Seismic Research Centre has not issued and cannot issue an
earthquake prediction for Trinidad and Tobago.

The ODPM asks the public to kindly desist from circulating or broadcasting false messages
as they create unnecessary panic and worry in all sectors.

We remind citizens that if they will like to review their safety measures regarding
earthquakes and other seismic hazards, they can visit www.odpm.gov.tt; follow us on
Facebook at ODPMTT or contact us at 868 640 1285 ext 14240. The UWI Seismic
Research Centre can also be consulted at 868 662 4659 for further information.

Issued by:-

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

868 640 1285 ext 14240/ publicinformation@odpm.gov.tt

A Division of the Ministry of National Security