The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) informs the public that a strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 occurred along the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
There is no tsunami threat to Sint Maarten or other Caribbean coastal areas as a result of this earthquake.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), the earthquake occurred at approximately 8:23 AM Sint Maarten time (12:23 UTC), at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres (six miles), near the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge in the Atlantic Ocean.
The earthquake was located at approximately 0.2 degrees south latitude and 19.2 degrees west longitude.
Following an assessment of the available seismic information, the PTWC issued a Tsunami Information Statement confirming that there is no tsunami threat to Caribbean coasts from this earthquake.
No tsunami warning, watch or advisory has been issued for Sint Maarten, and no protective action is required from the public in connection with this event.
ODM wishes to reassure residents and visitors that, based on the information provided by the PTWC, there is no indication of a tsunami threat to the country.
The Office of Disaster Management continues to emphasize the importance of earthquake and tsunami awareness as part of Sint Maarten’s overall disaster preparedness efforts.
Although this particular earthquake does not pose a tsunami threat, Sint Maarten is situated within the wider Caribbean region, where seismic activity and associated natural hazards remain important considerations for emergency preparedness.
ODM therefore encourages households, businesses, schools and other organizations to maintain and periodically review their emergency preparedness plans.
Residents should familiarize themselves with appropriate earthquake safety procedures, including the internationally recognized “Drop, Cover and Hold On” protective action during earthquake shaking.
Persons living or working in coastal areas should also be aware that strong or prolonged earthquake shaking, a sudden unusual rise or fall in sea level, or a loud roaring sound from the ocean can be natural warning signs of a possible tsunami.
Should such signs occur, individuals should immediately move away from the shoreline to higher ground or farther inland without waiting for an official warning.
ODM reminds the community that official information concerning earthquakes and potential tsunami threats is disseminated through the appropriate national and international monitoring and warning authorities.
Residents are encouraged to rely on verified information from the Government of Sint Maarten, the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), the Office of Disaster Management and other recognized official sources.
The Office of Disaster Management will continue to monitor relevant information and communicate any developments requiring public attention.
ODM reiterates that there is no tsunami threat to Sint Maarten from the October 13 earthquake along the Central Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Stay informed. Be prepared. Know your hazards.
