U.S. News

Actions

5.9 Magnitude Aftershock Hits Puerto Rico After Week Of Earthquakes

It knocked out power for around 5,000 people.
Posted

5.9 magnitude aftershock hit Puerto Rico Saturday morning, piling on more damage after a week of major earthquakes.

5.8 magnitude earthquake hit the southwestern part of Puerto Rico Monday, and a 6.4 magnitude quake hit the same area the next day, killing one and injuring several others. That one was the largest the island's seen in a century. Then on Friday, the island felt a 5.2 magnitude aftershock.

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority was already fighting widespread blackouts, but had restored 95% of the territory's electricity before the quake. The aftershock Saturday set it back to about 93%.

About 500 earthquakes have hit Puerto Rico since Dec. 28, and since Tuesday many people have moved to government-run outdoor shelters to avoid being trapped in crumbling buildings.

FEMA said it will be providing federal assistance to cover 75% of Puerto Rico's costs, which will be distributed throughout all 78 municipalities. 

Additional reporting by Newsy affiliate CNN