A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the tsunami advisory was canceled later, the NOAA warned of potential tsunami waves along Cuban coasts. Residents were advised to remain cautious due to unusual currents, while no significant damage was reported immediately after the tremor.
On Saturday, a notable earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck the Caribbean Sea, approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred just before 6:30 p.m. local time, prompting immediate concerns regarding potential tsunami threats in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Authorities swiftly advised residents to avoid beaches and coastal areas due to possible sea level hazards and flooding risks.
By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) announced the cancellation of the tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. However, officials cautioned that strong and unusual currents might persist, urging individuals to exercise caution near coastal waters. The NTWC communicated updates on X, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) alerted that some coastal areas of Cuba might experience tsunami waves, potentially reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters. The forecasts indicated that Cuba’s coastal threat could be significant, with expected wave amplitudes varying along different regions, including Honduras and the Cayman Islands. They clarified that a tsunami differs from a tidal wave, emphasizing its increased destructive power.
The Cuban government, according to reports from The Associated Press, advised residents to evacuate areas near the beachfront. While there were no individual alerts for the U.S. mainland, the NTWC confirmed that the earthquake was the result of either right-lateral or left-lateral strike slip faulting associated with the boundary between the North America and Caribbean tectonic plates. Thus far, no damage has been reported following this seismic event.
The Caribbean region frequently experiences seismic activity due to its location at the intersection of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Earthquakes can lead to tsunami warnings, particularly when they occur under the ocean, prompting authorities to react swiftly to minimize risk to coastal populations. Understanding the dynamics of plate tectonics is essential in assessing earthquake impacts and potential tsunami hazards in this area.
The recent earthquake in the Caribbean Sea has underscored the importance of preparedness and prompt response mechanisms in coastal communities. While immediate threats have been alleviated, ongoing vigilance is necessary due to the potential for strong currents and risks associated with seismic activities. The event illustrates the power of natural phenomena and the importance of reliable forecasting and communication from authorities.
Original Source: abc7amarillo.com
