Things to Know After Yesterday's Earthquake in Cayman from a Structural Engineer

Following yesterday’s powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake here in Cayman, many residents may have concerns regarding the structural integrity of their home or office.

Cayman is a known active seismic location. All buildings since 1994 have generally been built with the requirement to withstand seismic and hurricane forces. That there have been no reports of injury or severe building damage is a testament to the high quality of materials used and the high coefficient for structural design adhered to here in Cayman.

If you think your building may be structurally unsound, or if you manage high-occupancy buildings like offices and apartments, you have a duty of care to have the building assessed by a professional engineer.

Signs that a building is structurally compromised include:
- Cracked or broken windows
- Windows or doors that cannot or are now difficult to open
- Cracks on walls or foundations

Many residents were also very unprepared or caught off guard by yesterday’s earthquake. It is important to have an earthquake plan, just as you would for a hurricane. The movement of the earth rarely causes injury or death – it is the collapse of structures and subsequent hazards that pose a danger to life.

If it is safe to do so, get out of the building. One thing we observed that was of concern was the designated meeting places for offices that had evacuated. Don’t gather near buildings. Get away from any large structures in case of collapse and ensure there are no powerlines nearby.

If you cannot safely exit the building, the generally safest spot in a building is the staircore. It is the strongest and stiffest point in a building. If this is also not an option, adhere to the Drop, Cover and Hold method to protect yourself from falling debris.

The number of sinkholes observed after yesterday’s earthquake emphasizes the critical need for strong foundations. Cayman is composed of limestone, which, because of water filtering, can move and dissolve over time causing voids. Sinkholes are unpredictable, but the chances of a sinkhole happening in the same area again are high.

If you have any concerns about your residential or commercial structure, please call our offices at 623-2444.