Puerto Rico declares emergency after strong earthquake

Wednesday, 8 January 2020 07:45

Hours after a deadly 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico, Governor Wanda Vazquez has declared a state of emergency.

There have been at least 51 aftershocks, killing at least one person and causing structural damage to roads and bridges.

Several homes and buildings have been left without power, with Vazquez confirming that it will be restored within 24 to 48 hours.

Schools and public offices have been ordered shut on Wednesday, while officials inspect the structural safety of the buildings.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake struck at 4:24 am (local time) and was centered just off Puerto Rico's southern coast.

More from International

Trump says he will meet with Venezuela's Machado next week

US President Donald Trump has indicated on Thursday that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was coming to Washington next week.
Russian drone attack on Kyiv kills four, triggers fires

Russian drones attacked targets in Kyiv early on Friday, killing four people, injuring at least 19 and inflicting considerable damage on dwellings and infrastructure, Ukrainian officials said.
3 missing as bushfires destroy homes in Australia's southeast

Three people have been unaccounted for as out-of-control bushfires rage in the Australian state of Victoria, destroying homes and burning through vast swathes of bushland, authorities said on Friday.
Five Spanish citizens freed in Venezuela prisoner release

Spanish authorities have announced on Thursday that Venezuela released prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocio San Miguel and four other Spaniards from prison, but local rights groups said Venezuelan prisoners had not yet been freed as promised.
US immigration agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis

A US immigration agent has shot and killed a 37-year-old woman in her car in Minneapolis on Wednesday during an immigration enforcement surge, according to local and federal officials, the latest violence in President Donald Trump's nationwide crackdown on migrants.

Afternoons with Helen Farmer
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.
The Debrief
4:00pm - 7:00pm

Join Dane on Dubai Eye 103.8 for The Debrief from 4pm to 7pm, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day at the office.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the USA
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to the US to boost economic and technology ties including AI.
New iPhone Launch - Too Soon For Apple?
Apple Inc. shares fell Monday after a closely followed analyst warned that demand for the firm’s new iPhone 16 Pro model has been lower than expected. Is this a sign that the AI software just isn’t ready?
Working From Home or Hardly Working?
Does working from home kill productivity or can it benefit staff by giving them more flexibility and a better work/life balance?

On Dubai Eye

Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE
Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?
Noon's First Female Delivery Driver
Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!