Comments on: Honduras Earthquake 25/05/2009 M7.1 recorded at Keele

By: hypocentre

hypocentre — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:32:32 +0000

Patrick, thanks for your comments. Regarding the possibility of another magnitude 7 earthquake – the thing is with earthquakes that we just can’t predict them. My best guess is that the aftershock sequence will die down over the next month or so at it may well be many years before another really large earthquake happens – this is a classic main shock / aftershock sequence. However, the movement on one section of the fault system may pass stresses on to the next segment, which may go sooner rather than later. The simple answer is we really don’t know but probably not for a few years. Sorry to be so vague.

The important thing is to realise that sooner or later there will be another M7 event and to be prepared for it (i.e. know what to do, have supplies ready, building codes are appropriate and enforced, etc.)

By: Patrick Skroch

Patrick Skroch — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:20:31 +0000

I live just outside of the Capital in Tegucigalpa. My wife and I felt the large 7.1. Last week there was another in the 5.0 range near La Ceiba that we felt. Two days ago there was a 5.5 near La Cieba that we felt. This morning at 10 am another 4.8 near La Ceiba. The report of no damage in the capital is in error. Many walls and retaining walls now have visible cracks in them. I know of one wall where a three foot section fell off of it. Is there a possiblity of another in the 7.0 range hitting the area again?

By: hypocentre

hypocentre — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:28:07 +0000

Luis, It is quite normal for there to be a whole sequence of aftershocks of various magnitudes after such a large main shock. This is nothing out of the ordinary. Remember that the way that the magnitude scale works, the largest aftershock is about a thousand times less powerful then the main ‘quake and the other tremors about a million times smaller.

Whilst it is impossible to rule out something stronger coming, it is unlikely.

By: Luis Maldonado

Luis Maldonado — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:24:27 +0000

Dr. Ian, after the May 29 earthquake, we have been experiencing tremors of low intensity daily between 3 and 4.5 in the Ritcher Scale, but on sunday night June 7, another earthquake of 5.7 (Ritcher Scale) ocurred. What do you think is happening in our country? Is it normal to have too many aftershocks daily? Is something stronger coming? There are rumors about an island or a volcano is coming out, is it possible? Thanks for your attention.

By: hypocentre

hypocentre — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Nancy,
At least 6 people killed, 40 injured and more than 130 buildings damaged or destroyed in northern Honduras. Capital had light shaking without damage according to the USGS.
More details here .

By: Nancy Walker

Nancy Walker — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:49:34 +0000

You said occurred off the Honduran coast. What was the impact in for example the national capital, or central Honduras? I have traveled in Honduras before, but do not recall feeling any tremors.

By: hypocentre

hypocentre — Thu, 28 May 2009 15:04:12 +0000

Earthquakes are moderately common in the area but usually are not the type to cause tsunamis.

Geologically, this is a transform fault so the movement of the plates is sideways, not upwards as with a subduction related thrust earthquake such as you get on the west coast. This sideways motion tends not to displace water so there is no tsunami.

Tsunamis are very rare in the Atlantic but not unknown.

By: Yanesia Long

Yanesia Long — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:49:45 +0000

Dr. Ian:

Do you think there will be another earthquake in Honduras soon? My family lives there and I am worry. Can a Tsumani happen in the Atlantic? I thought that was the Pacific only.