Puerto Rico hit by powerful earthquake
Puerto Rico has been hit by a damaging earthquake, with plenty of aftershocks expected.
The magnitude 5.8 tremor happened just after 5.30am on Monday (local time).
The epicentre was about 13 kilometres south-southeast of Indios, Puerto Rico, at a depth of about six kilometres below ground.
A 5.8-magnitude quake hit Puerto Rico before dawn Monday, unleashing small landslides, causing power outages and severely cracking some homes. There were no immediate reports of casualties. AP/AAP
No major injuries were reported, Puerto Rico Director of Emergency Management Carlos Acevedo said.
He said some homes were damaged in Guanica, and a home collapsed in Guayanilla.
Some victims of the earthquake posted photos of deep cracks in walls.
There were also reports of rock slides along Route 2, a main highway, Mr Acevedo said.
While no tsunami warning was issued after the quake, geologists warn of more tremors to come.
This Jan. 27, 2019 photo courtesy of Edgar Gracia shows "Punta Ventana," or Window Point, in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. The bridge on the top of the hole collapsed during an earthquake on Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. AP/AAP
A natural formation known as "Punta Ventana," or Window Point, stands without the bridge that once created the formation of the window, or a hole, in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. The natural bridge collapsed during the morning's earthquake. AP/AAP
"More earthquakes than usual (called aftershocks) will continue to occur near the mainshock," the US Geological Survey said.
"When there are more earthquakes, the chance of a large earthquake is greater which means that the chance of damage is greater."
The agency advised anyone in or near vulnerable structures to be extra cautious and said those caught in potential quakes should drop, cover and hold on.
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