Puerto Rico declares emergency after strong earthquake

iStock

Hours after a deadly 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico, Governor Wanda Vazquez has declared a state of emergency.

There have been at least 51 aftershocks, killing at least one person and causing structural damage to roads and bridges.

Several homes and buildings have been left without power, with Vazquez confirming that it will be restored within 24 to 48 hours.

Schools and public offices have been ordered shut on Wednesday, while officials inspect the structural safety of the buildings.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at 4:24 am (local time) and was centered just off Puerto Rico's southern coast. 

More from International News

  • India inspects spice makers over alleged contamination

    India is inspecting facilities of spice makers MDH and Everest for compliance with quality standards after sales of some of their products were halted in Hong Kong and Singapore for allegedly containing high levels of a cancer-causing pesticide.

  • Israeli media predict offensive in Gaza's Rafah soon

    Israel is poised to send troops into Rafah, the Gazan city it sees as the last bastion of Hamas, Israeli media reported on Wednesday, saying preparations were under way to evacuate war-displaced Palestinian civilians who have been sheltering there.

  • Russia detains ally of Defence Minister Shoigu for corruption

    A Russian court on Wednesday ordered one of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu's deputies be kept in custody on suspicion of taking bribes, the highest-profile corruption case since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in 2022.

  • Trump meets with Japan's former prime minister Aso

    Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, a senior figure in the country's ruling party, met with Donald Trump on Tuesday, becoming the latest US ally seeking to establish ties with the Republican presidential candidate.

Blogs