EARTHQUAKE experts say they are not overly concerned by the 15 felt earthquakes recorded in Jamaica so far this year, explaining that the apparent increase reflects greater public reporting rather than heightened seismic activity.

The latest quake was a 3.4-magnitude tremor felt at 6:20 pm last Wednesday in Kingston and St Andrew. It had a focal depth of 16 kilometres.

Karleen Black, scientific officer at the Earthquake Unit, and Dr Simon Mitchell, professor of sedimentary geology at The University of the West Indies, said Jamaica experiences more than 200 earthquakes annually. However, only earthquakes that are reported as having been felt by members of the public prompt the issuance of a public bulletin.