The earthquake that shook Puerto Rico is probably the most damaging in more than a century: 9 facts about the earthquake and its impact

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One dead and several wounded by earthquakes in Puerto Rico 6:25

(CNN) - For the second consecutive day, Puerto Rico was shaken by intense earthquakes. Those of this Tuesday left damages and victims.

Look at 9 facts that put the earthquake in perspective:

It could be very harmful

The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that shook the south coast of the island on Tuesday is probably the most damaging in more than a century

The 1918 earthquake

In 1918, a strong earthquake shook Puerto Rico and caused a tsunami that resulted in 116 deaths and economic losses of $ 4 million, twice the annual budget for the entire island, at that time according to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network.

Millionaire losses are expected

Estimates from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) show potential economic losses of more than $ 100 million from the 6.4 earthquake on Tuesday.

Felt intensely

USGS also estimates that more than 400,000 people felt strong or very strong tremors.

A series of earthquakes

At least 29 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or more have occurred since December 28, 2019, including the 6.4 major earthquake on January 7, 2020. Hundreds of smaller earthquakes have also shaken the region during this period. of time.

The island is between two tectonic plates

Tectonics in Puerto Rico are dominated by the plates of North America and the Caribbean that join, and the island is tight between the two.

It is the strongest earthquake since 2014

The earthquake on Tuesday is the largest to impact Puerto Rico since 2014 when an earthquake of magnitude 6.4 occurred 98 kilometers northeast of Puerto Rico. This earthquake briefly interrupted the electricity and caused minor damage to Puerto Rico, as it was farther from the coast than the earthquake on Tuesday.

Puerto Rico Earthquake