The lives of several Jamaicans were briefly disrupted this morning after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake rocked the country.

It occurred at around 8: 01 AM.

The Earthquake Unit said the quake was located approximately 6 kilometres northwest of Golden Spring, St. Andrew.

It had a focal depth of 27 kilometres.

The Unit said it was felt islandwide.

One woman from Bull Bay, St Andrew described the quake as one of the strongest and most frightening she has experienced.

She said she was awakened by what sounded like an explosion.

Meanwhile, one man from St. Catherine said he panicked when he felt the earthquake.