Dominican Republic Earthquake 2010: 8.0 Earthquake a False Alarm

Dominican Republic Earthquake: 8.0 Earthquake a False Alarm

The USGS issued a preliminary report of a magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred near the Dominican Republic. The original report was issued at around 5:56 p.m. About 30 minutes later, the USGS acknowledged that it was a false alarm.

After the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, the USGS began using additional sources in the region for earthquake detection. The magnitude 8.0 Dominican Republic earthquake was incorrect, resulted from the distribution of errant email, according to USGS.

The original report said that the magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred 130 miles northeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Only 2 incidents of earthquakes larger than magnitude 5.0 were recorded today on the USGS website, and a few minor earthquakes around the US. None of which were close to the Dominican Republic.