Jamaica At Continuing Risk From Earthquakes

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Gleaner — Jamaica is located in an active zone of seismic activity, and experiences more than 200 tremors annually, according to the Earthquake Unit at The University of the West Indies. The destruction of Port Royal by a massive earthquake in 1692, which left half of the town buried under the sea; and the devastation of Kingston in 1907, are common knowledge. Less widely acknowledged are other significant tremors that the country has suffered.. "Earthquakes are a fact of life in Jamaica," said Chris Hind, general manager of JN General Insurance Company (JNGI). "Even when we are not aware of them, they are a part of our existence."