“Jah Jah”: Usain Bolt Expresses Concern Over Earthquake Hitting Jamaica After 2023’s Devasting Incident

In 2023, Jamaica faced a devastating earthquake that left lasting impacts. Jamaica experienced a 5.4 magnitude earthquake, leading people to evacuate buildings because of heavy shaking. After this, the Island of Jamaica was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 4.3 on Saturday around 8.02 pm, located approximately 5 km south of Hope Bay, Portland. An earthquake struck near Kingston, with the epicenter 28 km away. 

It felt in Kingston, St Catherine, St Andrew, Portland, and St Thomas. There were no such reports of any damage till now, as it was just a slight tremor. As this earthquake struck, Jamaica’s most eminent sprinter, Usain Bolt, was seen expressing concern over the earthquake hitting Jamaica in 2024. 

On his X handle Bolt wrote, “A Wah gwan a while ago.. jah jah”. As small earthquakes are common in and around Jamaica, the people of Jamaica are not surprised by the sudden earthquake that struck on Wednesday. One of the Jamaicans reacted, “In Jamaica…..earthquake. Fly to New York…earthquake…come back to Jamaica…earthquake.WTF!!” No serious injuries or damage has been reported as it was a mild one not like the one that struck last year which was a little heavier and that have left all the Jamaicans to panic and leave their houses and buildings for safety.

In 2023, the earthquake that hit Jamaica last year had a magnitude of 5.4, miles away west-northwest of Hope Bay. The earthquake was felt quite close as its epicenter formed a shallow depth of six miles. After that, the sprinting legend said, “Jamaica has had its fair share of larger earthquakes in the past, so I’m just thankful this one wasn’t too severe.” For 2023 earthquake track star Thompson-Herah also took to Instagram amidst the chaos, sending calming messages and wishing for the safety of the Jamaican public following the earthquake.

The 31-year-old posted a story with the caption, “I hope everyone is ok. Me still nervous.” The natural disaster shook Jamaica, causing things to fall off due to tectonic tremors, and instilling fear in everyone affected. Elaine Thompson-Herah’s wishes and prayers were answered, ensuring the safety of her fellow Jamaicans during the earthquake. Though Usain Bolt has addressed the recent earthquake in Jamaica, he has always been there for the people when any such disaster strikes.

Usain Bolt has a heart of gold, donates to quake victims

Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt has earlier made donations for the people in need during the earthquakes. On May 12, 2008, when a magnitude of 8 hit the southwestern Chinese province, killing nearly 70,000 people and leaving some 18,000 missing, and at least 10 million people lost their homes in the disaster. Usain Bolt said in an interview, “I feel sorry for the victims, so I asked my management team to do something,”. He donated around USD 50,000 for children and stated, “They are kids. They deserve a better future, I hope they can still enjoy themselves, because they are still kids I just want to help them. I’m looking forward to more people coming out and helping them”.

Bolt in another incident, has called his Caribbean neighbors to lend their support to Haiti during the time of disaster. Thousands of people died after the largest earthquake hit in the Caribbean in the last 200 years rocked Haiti on January 12, 2010, with 7.0 magnitude. He even issued the statement, “Any loss of life is devastating and I am concerned of the reported loss that is facing my Caribbean neighbor at this time. This is a time when Caribbean unity is necessary and I am sure the people of the region will rally to support our regional family. Although I have never been to Haiti, the news has been sad and I hope that the recovery process and the necessary help required will be speedy. May God bless the people in Haiti.” Usain Bolt has been there whenever any such disaster has happened.