DRNA investigates possible vandalism of seismograph in Caja de Muertos
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources is probing damage to equipment belonging to the Puerto Rico Seismic Network on the southern island reserve.
File photoThe short version
- El Nuevo Día reports that Cuerpo de Vigilantes personnel from the DRNA are investigating damage to a seismograph on Sunday in the Reserva Natural de Caja de Muertos
- NotiCel reports the equipment belongs to the Red Sísmica de Puerto Rico and is used to monitor earth movement and alert the public
- DRNA Commissioner Nelson Cruz called the possible vandalism an action against the people of Puerto Rico according to both outlets
- Cruz reminded residents of the importance of caring for these scientific tools that are used to save lives NotiCel reported
Investigation underway
Personnel from the Cuerpo de Vigilantes of the Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) are investigating damage suffered by a seismograph located in the Reserva Natural de Caja de Muertos. El Nuevo Día reported that the incident is being treated as possible vandalism of equipment belonging to the Red Sísmica de Puerto Rico.
The DRNA informed the public of the investigation on Sunday. The agency has not provided details on the circumstances of the damage or any possible suspects. NotiCel reported that the equipment is used to monitor the movement of the earth.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Este acto de vandalizar un sismógrafo es una acción contra el Pueblo de Puerto Rico
Our translation: This act of vandalizing a seismograph is an action against the People of Puerto Rico
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Nuevo Día. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Official reaction
Nelson Cruz, commissioner of the Cuerpo de Vigilantes and subsecretary of the DRNA, stated that the systems are installed strategically across the island to monitor earth movement and alert citizens. Both outlets quoted Cruz saying that vandalizing a seismograph “es una acción contra el Pueblo de Puerto Rico”.
Cruz also made a call to the public to protect the equipment. According to NotiCel he added, “Les recuerdo la importancia de cuidar nuestras herramientas de trabajo científicas que son las que usamos para salvar vidas”.
Context of the reserve
El Nuevo Día noted that DRNA facilities on the main island remain closed due to damage from the 2020 earthquakes, yet Caja de Muertos continues to receive dozens of visitors on weekends who arrive by private boats or jet skis.
Where the sources differ
Both El Nuevo Día and NotiCel agree that the DRNA's Cuerpo de Vigilantes is investigating possible vandalism of a Red Sísmica de Puerto Rico seismograph at the Caja de Muertos nature reserve. They report the same statements from Nelson Cruz describing the act as one against the people of Puerto Rico and stressing the equipment's role in monitoring seismic activity to protect lives. El Nuevo Día adds details about the reserve receiving weekend visitors by boat or jet ski and the closure of other DRNA facilities since the 2020 earthquakes. NotiCel includes an additional quote from Cruz reminding the public to care for the scientific tools.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the nature or extent of the damage to the seismograph, when the damage was discovered, whether any evidence of vandalism was found, or if there are any suspects or witnesses. They also do not indicate whether the equipment can be repaired, how long it might be out of service, or what impact its loss has on seismic monitoring in the region.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Official “Es una acción contra el Pueblo de Puerto Rico”: Investigan posible vandalismo de sismógrafo en Caja de Muertos
- Reporting “Es una acción contra el Pueblo de Puerto Rico”: Investigan posible vandalismo de sismógrafo en Caja de Muertos
- Reporting Investigan posible vandalismo contra sismógrafo en Caja de Muertos
How we checked this
El Nuevo Día and NotiCel both reported the DRNA's investigation and Nelson Cruz's statements on the incident. Details about visitor access to Caja de Muertos and the status of other DRNA facilities appear only in El Nuevo Día.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.