Puerto Rico’s Earthquakes In The Southwest Region & Vulnerable Communities

Jennifer Hinojosa

Issued May 2020; 20 pages

Each year natural disasters in Puerto Rico are becoming more threatening and costly. The largest and most damaging earthquake took place on January 7, 2020 with a 6.4 magnitude followed by numerous aftershocks and continues today throughout the southwest region of Puerto Rico. Over 33,000 homes were damaged and about 52% of the valid registrants had occupants who were 65 years old and over. This report gives an overview of federal and state level post-disaster response followed the impacts of schools and housing structures, and finally a closer look at the impact on selected municipalities in the southwest region of the Island