StEER - 07 Jan. 2020 Puerto Rico Mw6.4 Earthquake: Preliminary Virtual Reconnaissance Report (PVRR)

A series of seismic events occurred in the southwestern region of Puerto Rico with the first significant event occurring on January 6th, 2020 at 6:32 am local time (10:32 UTC) registering a magnitude Mw 5.8. The second event occurred on January 7th, 2020 at 4:24 am local time (8:24 UTC) with a magnitude Mw 6.4, followed by a third event on January 7th, 2020 at 7:18 am local time (11:18 UTC) registering a magnitude Mw 5.8. These three earthquakes caused structural collapses and significant damage to civil infrastructure in communities near the epicenter of Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. In addition, damage to lifelines resulted in loss of power and running water across the island of Puerto Rico.

The purpose of this Preliminary Virtual Reconnaissance Report (PVRR) is to provide an overview of the hazard characteristics and to summarize preliminary reports of damage to buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure.