A Puerto Rican flag is seen in the rubble as store owners and family help remove supplies from Ely Mer Mar hardware store, which partially collapsed after an earthquake struck Guanica, Puerto Rico, yesterday. A 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Puerto Rico before dawn yesterday, killing one man, injuring others and collapsing buildings in the southern part of the island. (Photo: AP)

GUAYANILLA, Puerto Rico (AP) — Thousands of people fled their homes on Puerto Rico’s south-west coast yesterday after a 10-day string of earthquakes crescendoed in a powerful magnitude-6.4 temblor that crushed an elderly man, injured at least eight other people, and sent buildings tumbling to the ground.

Hours after the predawn quake cut power to the entire US territory, a large swath of southern Puerto Rico was shaken by smaller quakes late into the afternoon. Seismologists said there was no way of knowing when the series of quakes would ease, prompting Puerto Ricans to stay with friends or family or even sleep outdoors far from the coast, fearful of collapsing buildings or a tsunami.

“I’m stringing up my hammock,” said Miguel Santana, a 38-year-old resident of the south-west coastal town of Guayanilla.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/6-4-quake-strikes-puerto-rico-amid-heavy-seismic-activity_184017