In Puerto Rico, residents would have only 30 to 35 minutes to evacuate coastal zones if an earthquake triggers a tsunami threat, according to data the Puerto Rico Seismic Network presented at the Governor’s Earthquake Tabletop Exercise. The conclave brought together state and federal agencies, industries and businesses at the Peñuelas Convention Center. Governor Jenniffer González called that window "little time" and urged people to be prepared.
She said all coastal zones on the island are identified as tsunami routes and evacuation routes are already marked. The 30 to 35 minutes is the safe time the Seismic Network gives to evacuate and reach higher ground. When the Puerto Rico government or federal authorities issue a tsunami warning, she said, people must respond with caution because the coasts could be hit by a wave and lives could be in danger.
González warned that the government will not expose the lives of first responders or town workers to go pull people out after an evacuation announcement. She said her administration has held four earthquake drills in the past 20 months, the latest on Thursday at 10:15 AM. The exercise focused on continuity of government operations and services.
The Education Department was instructed to guide communities with workshops and training, and it contracted four companies to visit schools to prepare them for emergencies; the Education secretary did not immediately name the companies. Roads PR-2 and PR-18 (the Las Américas Expressway, which gives access to Centro Médico in Río Piedras) will be the main routes for emergency responders.