What is Earthquake Preparedness?

An earthquake is a natural geo-event. However, within the realms of an earthquakes causing, and/or being directly related to causing damage to man-made properties, and/or life, then that same earthquake as a geo-event, can be called a disaster.

This is where the concept and practice of earthquake preparedness (also can be categorized as disaster preparedness), can take shape. As closely defined by UNESCO: “Disaster preparedness refers to the proactive measures taken to anticipate, respond to, and recover from emergencies, particularly those resulting from natural disasters.” Retrieved November 9, 2026.

Highlighted Features of Earthquake/Disaster Preparedness

As highlighted by Google AI, key features of earthquake preparedness are:

• Risk assessment & hazard identification.
• Contingency and emergency planning.
• Early warning systems.
• Stockpiling emergency supplies and emergency kits.
• Capacity building and training.
• Drills and simulations.

Yet, the big gap is the non-mention of continuous seismologic and geologic research related to better understand earthquakes.

High Significance of Continuous Seismologic & Geologic Research Towards Strengthening National-Community-Household Earthquake Preparedness

Risk assessment + hazard identification followed by all the other features highlighted in the previous section, are only as good as the quality of research (methodologies, mapping accuracy…) and their applicability. Hazard and risk maps depend on the geologic and seismologic data as a key layer. As the inputs change, such as the location of active fault zones and their intensity, so will the need for the earthquake hazards–detail– and risk map(s).

Shortfall in this area, can have immense ripple effects in the development/design & administration of earthquake-related disaster plans & building codes, for national security; as well as closely related industries/sectors, such as construction & housing (pre and post a major earthquake).

Current Structure of Earthquake Preparedness in Jamaica

With the references of JIS and Google AI The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) and The Earthquake Unit of Jamaica, are two central pillars of Jamaica’s earthquake preparedness. A core function of The ODPEM is the coordination of national response plans that exists at the community-national level. An example of this is activation of the community shelter (local response), as well as the broadcast communication of active community shelters across affected parishes and/or regions within parishes (national response).

On the part of The Earthquake Unit of Jamaica, a core function that you should be aware of as a citizen, is the monitoring, recording and for applicable earthquakes (such as those felt), reporting of earthquakes to the public. An additional core function of The Earthquake Unit of Jamaica however, is earthquake research. It should be their continuous research that is central towards Jamaica’s modernization of it’s building code & related building Act.

Other Core Members of Jamaica’s Earthquake Preparedness Structure

The other members of Jamaica’s Earthquake preparedness structure (explicit and not so explicitly known within the public domain) can be listed within the following categories:

• Jamaica’s Government Bodies–Jamaica Fire Brigade, Ministry of National Security (JCF & JDF), Ministry of Health & Wellness.
• Regional & International Partners–Regional & International Allies (think humanitarian aid) via Militaries, NGOs (Salvation Army or Red Cross); Formal & Informal Family groups (think remittances, household supplies, clothing & other personal items).

Jamaica’s Major Gap In It’s Earthquake Preparedness

The bulk of members highlighted in the previous section and their activation, are mostly central in Jamaica’s response, recovery & eventual rebuilding post an earthquake of significant scale. Where there is a major gap in Jamaica’s earthquake preparedness however, is in the area of earthquake hazard mitigation–specifically applied earthquake research. The Earthquake Unit of Jamaica is central in this area. However, the reality is that this agency of the Government of Jamaica is grossly understaffed. They need the human capital in the form of geologists as example to:

• Conduct routine geologic mapping.
• Gather post felt earthquake field observations & disseminate findings through reporting (internal and otherwise as authorized).

This is a gap persistent for at least 14 years (since the time I began following the work of the unit). And this gap has far-reaching implications in:

• The development & continuous highly accurate modernization of Jamaica’s Building Code.
• The Earthquake Hazard Maps of Jamaica (Parish & Community Scale) utilized by the ODPEM and first responders for example.
• The development of Home/Peril Insurance Premiums related to earthquakes and other related hazards.
• Land Use & Construction specifications such as foundation design for critical and non-critical infrastructure; and retrofitting of homes, and buildings for community shelters.

For far too long, Jamaica has been penny-wise and pound-foolish in this area…

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