A 6.4 magnitude earthquake has struck off the coast of Puerto Rico, causing damage and knocking out power on the island.
Mayita Meléndez, mayor of the southern city of Ponce, told local media that at least eight people had been injured in the city.
It follows a number of weaker earthquakes in recent weeks - with over 200 earthquakes of magnitude 2.0 or greater reported since 28th December.
A 5.8 magnitude quake on Monday caused some homes to partially collapse.
Residents survey damage where a home partially collapsed after an earthquake hit Guanica, Puerto Rico, Monday, Jan. 6, 2020. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti)The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said this morning's magnitude 6.4 quake happened at 4:24 am local time (8:24 am Irish time) and was "widely felt".
In a statement, the USGS said: "Strong to very strong shaking occurred across parts of Southern Puerto Rico closest to the event and moderate shaking occurred across the rest of the island.
"The preliminary location of today's 6.4 earthquake is within about 7.5 miles (12 km) of the January 6, 2020, M 5.8 earthquake.
"The proximity of these events to Puerto Rico, and their shallow depth, mean that dozens of these events have been felt on land, though with the exception of the latest two earthquakes, the M 6.4 and the M 5.8, none are likely to have caused significant damage."
The sequence includes 11 foreshocks M 4.0 and larger. Historically the region has seen moderate seismicity. Prior to this sequence within the last 50 years and within 50 km of the epicenter there have been 10 earthquakes M 4.0 and larger.
— USGS (@USGS) January 7, 2020
Aftershocks are expected following this morning's powerful quake.
The extent of the damage was not immediately clear, although photos shared on social media showed damaged buildings and structures.
Puerto Rico's electrical authority said crews were working to restore power amid reports of widespread outages.
PREPA ALERT: José Ortiz, CEO of PREPA, informs that damages have been reported in Central Costa Sur and we are evaluating substations throughout the island. If no other mayor issues occur with our system we should reenergize early during the day. CC7 pic.twitter.com/5K8ZqkC7zV
— Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (@AEEONLINE) January 7, 2020
Local governor Wanda Vazquez Garced urged people to remain calm and safe.
She added that public sector work outside of first response services was being suspended for the day, to allow people remain with their families.
