Ah, I remember the feeling well. Here in California we have earthquakes every year or so. Our "Big One" in Northern California was in October 1989 - about the same magnatude. It was frightening, to say the least. Property loss, lives lost, and some damage is still being worked on.

I hope you all can put it behind you quickly. Keep your emergency pack up-to-date (you do this for hurricanes anyway). It's good news that the Tsunami watch has been lifted.

This might be a story you tell for years to come to friends (it obviously is for me).

i would never hear about a tsunami watch,, with the power out.
i need to get a little radio i guess.

Yes you would Barn, I'd have stopped by your house on my way out to the Southern Hywy. But spoke to a geologist in PG right afterwards who told me that was not a concern and then got a call at 3:30am from the US Embassy to let me know the US Geological Survey in Golden Colorado had called off any tsunami warning. One good reason its good to be registered with the Embassy. I'm sure all cars departing the peninsula would have been honking their horns to alert people. The reef would have protected Placencia from a major tsunami if it happened. We are all very lucky, whatever damages we have, can be repaired.

Higher ground could potentially mean go upstairs or get off the beach - people are trying to help.

plus,, i am the last living human on the planet that doesn't have a cell phone.
and when our power is out,, so is our phone.

I'm thinking about you all in beautiful Belize. I'm so glad this earthquake wasn't worse. Peace to you all.

Death toll rises to 2 confirmed and 2 possible.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090528/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_earthquake

Video: http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=13700877&ch=4226714&src=news

Any reports of damage on Ambergris Caye?

No

I had some damage. Irreversible brain damage from drinking too many beers and those bloody awful Jagermeister things (the real culprit) after the Champions League Final. Slept right through the night and missed it, but I think the house could have dropped and I'd not have noticed. However I can report several personal aftershocks this morning with no signs of abatement.....

Hey Barn - Me too on the cell phone.......