May 2009 Commentary

A strong earthquake occurred at 01:24 AM (PDT). This event was located in the region offshore of Honduras 75 miles NNE of La Ceiba, Honduras. The moment magnitude for the earthquake, determined by the U.S. Geological Survey, is 7.3. Seven people were killed, 40 injured, and 130 buildings damaged or destroyed in northern Honduras. The central span of a major bridge at El Progreso was destroyed. At least 5 buildings were destryed and 25 damaged in Belize. The earthquake was widely felt as far as Mexico, the Bahamas and Panama. USGS NEIC information.

A minor earthquake occurred at 10:54 AM (PDT). This event was located 3 miles S of Eureka, CA. The moment magnitude for this event, determined at Berkeley, is 4.2 The maximum modified Mercalli Intensity for the event was IV. Shake Map of instrument intensities measured for this event, is available. (Did You Feel It?") Map.