Trinidad and Tobago hit by earthquakes

Friday September 29th, 2006 - Two earthquakes measuring 6.1 (9:08am) and 5.5 (2:25pm) on the Richter scale shook up Trinidad today. There has some structural damage to several buildings in the nations capital, but so far there has been no reports of any deaths or serious injuries.

The tremours knocked out power to much of the island and disrupted air traffic at Piarco National Airport. Travellers and airport staff were evacuated and flights canceled while officials checked for any structural damage to its facilities. Workers of the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Company were dispatched to repair damage to lines in several areas.

Although the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management did not report any immediate loss of life, aerial reconnaissance of the north and eastern parts of Trinidad was still dispatched by Trinidad's Special Anti-Crime Unit.

The tremors were also reportedly felt throughout most of eastern Venezuela, but there were no immediate reports of any major damage there.