A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean on September 21, approximately 130 miles from the Cayman Islands. The quake, occurring at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, is the most powerful in the region since 2021. A tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands has been lifted, with no alerts for the US mainland. The Cayman Islands government has advised residents to move inland for safety.
On September 21, a significant earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck the Caribbean, occurring at 6:23 p.m. local time, approximately 130 miles offshore from the Cayman Islands. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake was characterized by its shallow depth of 10 kilometers. This event marks the largest seismic activity in the region since a 7.2 magnitude earthquake impacted southwestern Haiti in 2021, as reported by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In response to the earthquake, a tsunami advisory initially issued for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands has since been lifted by the US National Tsunami Warning Center. Fortunately, no tsunami alerts were designated for the mainland United States. The government of the Cayman Islands took precautionary steps by posting a tsunami threat alert on social media, urging residents to prioritize their safety by moving inland and seeking higher ground.
Understanding the seismic landscape of the Caribbean is crucial, considering its susceptibility to earthquakes. The region’s tectonic activity is primarily due to the complex interactions between several tectonic plates, leading to significant seismic events. The earthquake on September 21 serves as a reminder of the ongoing geological challenges facing this area, particularly following the devastating 2021 quake in Haiti. The swift response from governmental and geological agencies illustrates the systems in place for disaster management.
In conclusion, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to seismic events. The swift issuance of tsunami advisories and subsequent lifting reflects an effective emergency response protocol. With no immediate threats to mainland America, residents in affected areas are encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety as the community recovers from this significant geological event.
Original Source: en.mehrnews.com
