A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Coastal residents in several regions were urged to move inland due to potential tsunami risks, while no significant damage reports emerged immediately following the event.
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake jolted the Caribbean Sea, specifically southwest of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. This seismic event occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, with an epicenter located 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. Consequently, various islands and countries advised residents near the coast to evacuate inland as a precaution against potential tsunami activity.
In response to the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that no tsunami alert had been issued for the U.S. mainland; however, an advisory was prompted for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management in the Cayman Islands encouraged coastal residents to relocate to higher ground due to expected wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón of Puerto Rico stated that she was coordinating with emergency agencies following the tsunami advisory, but did not recommend evacuations from the coast. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert, urging residents to move to elevated areas more than 20 meters high and at least 2 kilometers inland, while advising ships to avoid entering the sea temporarily.
The Cuban government also requested locals to clear beachfront areas as a preventative measure. In Honduras, authorities reported no immediate damage but advised residents to remain away from the beaches for the foreseeable future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration later estimated that tsunami waves could reach 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along some Cuban coasts, with similar predictions for Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
The magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean prompted various regions to issue tsunami advisories and measures to ensure public safety. The Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Honduras took necessary precautions, urging residents to move inland and avoid hazardous coastal areas. The situation remains fluid, and local authorities continue to monitor developments closely.
Original Source: abc7.com
