According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 shook the southwest of Puerto Rico. As part of its tectonic summary, the agency explains that the preliminary location of the earthquake is “within about 12 km [7.5 miles] of [the] January 6, 2020, magnitude 5.8 earthquake”.

“Over the past several weeks, hundreds of small earthquakes have occurred in this same region, beginning in earnest with a 4.7 magnitude earthquake late on December 28 (2019) and a 5.0 magnitude event a few hours later,” the summary says. “Since the 4.7 magnitude event, over 400 two plus magnitude earthquakes have occurred in this region, 11 of which were over four magnitude, including today’s 6.5 magnitude event and the January 6th magnitude 5.8.”

According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), a small tsunami has also been observed. The NOAA agency recommends that people along the coast near today’s earthquake should be observant and exercise caution.

Already losing the tourist attraction of Playa Ventana, an orange alert for economic losses has also been issued by USGS. This alert means that “significant damage is likely and the disaster is potentially widespread”. According to USGS, the estimated economic losses are between zero to one percent of the GDP of Puerto Rico. {ast events with this alert level have required a regional- or national-level response.

Social media users have offered their support, with some reporting that there is no power on the island and that tsunami watches have been announced. One Twitter user, @zeekpr, said: “No power currently on the island, authorities released a tsunami watch. #PrayForPuertoRico.”

Another tweeter, @ChunLiVibes, wrote that she was woken by calls from her family who had been affected: “Woke up to my family calling. It’s heartbreaking. They got hit with another earthquake please pray and keep Puerto Rico in your thoughts and prayers #PrayForPuertoRico.”

A second earthquake also hit the island today. At 4:34 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time a 5.6 magnitude quake, with a depth of 10 km, struck 8 km south of Tallaboa. Smaller quakes were also recorded by USGS within an hour of the first earthquake.

In terms of further aftershocks, the USGS forecast predicts that over the next week there is a 3 percent chance of one or more aftershocks being larger than magnitude 6.4. There will likely be smaller earthquakes over the next week, with two to 550 magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks.

Magnitude 3 and above shocks are large enough to be felt near the epicenter, according to USGS. The number of aftershocks will drop off over time, but a large aftershock can temporarily increase the numbers again.

If readers would like to help people in Puerto Rico, they can visit charity organization Together Puerto Rico for more information.