A magnitude-7.6 earthquake shook the Caribbean, prompting alerts for coastal residents to evacuate. Although initial tsunami warnings were issued for several regions, they were lifted later. The earthquake, occurring south of the Cayman Islands, resulted in precautionary measures taken by various island governments. No significant damage has been reported.
The Caribbean was rocked by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on Saturday, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time and at a depth of 10 kilometers. In light of the quake, several islands and nations advised residents in coastal areas to move inland, although most tsunami alerts were later lifted.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that there were no tsunami warnings for the U.S. mainland; however, a tsunami advisory was initially issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands but was subsequently canceled. Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended that coastal residents retreat to higher ground, anticipating wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. Later, the Cayman Islands government declared an “all clear” on its official social media.
In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón communicated with emergency agencies following the tsunami advisory but did not advise residents to evacuate from coastal regions. Consequently, there were reports of heavy congestion as alarms prompted individuals to flee coastal areas. Similarly, the Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert, urging coastal residents to move to higher ground but soon rescinded the alert.
Honduran officials received no immediate reports of damage but advised residents to refrain from visiting beaches. Meanwhile, the Cuban government called for individuals to vacate beachfront properties, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported potential tsunami waves measuring between 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along certain Cuban coasts.
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean prompted various responses from governments across the region, with local authorities issuing evacuation advisories and tsunami alerts. While the tsunami warnings were largely cancelled and no significant damages were reported, caution prevailed as residents were encouraged to move to safer locations. Overall, the event highlighted the importance of preparedness and swift communication in times of natural disasters.
Original Source: www.wtap.com
