A leading Caribbean seismologist is sounding the alarm over Antigua and Barbuda's earthquake preparedness, warning that the region's monitoring infrastructure must be urgently upgraded before a major seismic event occurs.
According to Antigua Observer, Dr. Abayomi Osotuyi, a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Seismic Research Centre in Trinidad, delivered the stark warning, emphasizing that the Caribbean sits atop one of the world's most active seismic zones.
Dr. Osotuyi's concerns center on the adequacy of existing earthquake monitoring systems across the region, with Antigua and Barbuda identified as a nation that must act with urgency to strengthen its capacity to detect and respond to seismic activity.
The Caribbean's geographical position places it in a zone of significant tectonic activity, making the threat of a damaging earthquake a persistent reality for island nations throughout the region. Experts have long noted that the area is vulnerable, and Dr. Osotuyi's warning underscores the need for proactive investment in monitoring technology and disaster preparedness frameworks.
As reported by Antigua Observer, the UWI Seismic Research Centre plays a central role in tracking seismic activity across the Caribbean, and its researchers continue to advocate for stronger regional cooperation and infrastructure development to mitigate the impact of future earthquakes.
The call to action comes as governments across the region face ongoing pressure to balance disaster risk reduction with competing budgetary priorities.
