The Caribbean, 27 October 2025.- An earthquake of magnitude 6.6 shook the small West Indies on Monday 27 October, at 8:38 a.m. , causing significant tremors in Martinique, Guadeloupe and neighbouring islands. The epicentre, located 168 km east of the Désirade, did not cause any damage, according to the seismic observatories. The authorities nevertheless call for caution.
A strong earthquake, but without major consequences
According to the Observatory Volcanological and Seismological of Martinique (OVSM), the earthquake, of tectonic type, reached an intensity between 3 and 4 in Martinique, and up to 5 in Guadeloupe. No damage has been reported yet, but the Prefect of Martinique has activated the departmental operational centre as a precautionary measure. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no risk of tsunamis threatening the Caribbean coast.
A phenomenon related to the movement of tectonic plates
Jérôme Vergne, director of the OVSM, explains that the earthquake is due to the movement between the North American plate and the Caribbean plate, which are approaching two centimetres a year. « This morning, there was a rapid release of accumulated energy, which generated this earthquake. », he says. He also wanted to reassure the population: » This earthquake has absolutely nothing to do with the activity of Pelee Mountain. Recent tremors around the volcano were much weaker. »
Replies to be expected in the coming days
Since the main quake, about 20 replicas have already been recorded by the Observatories of the Lesser Antilles. « There will still be replicas in the hours and days ahead. Their intensity will gradually decrease »warns Jérôme Vergne.
W.A.
