On Saturday, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, triggering a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Authorities urged caution near coastal areas due to potential flooding risks. The advisory was canceled later in the evening, but warnings about strong currents remained. Cuba’s coastal regions were also advised to prepare for possible tsunami waves.
A significant earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor occurred approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, moments before 6:30 p.m. local time. Following the incident, a temporary tsunami threat was issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid coastal areas due to potential flooding and sea level hazards.
By around 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) lifted the tsunami advisory. However, the NTWC cautioned that “strong and unusual currents may continue” and urged vigilance near the water. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated the likelihood of tsunami waves measuring between 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels along certain coasts of Cuba.
In light of the forecast, the Cuban government recommended evacuating beachfront regions. NOAA further clarified that actual wave heights may differ due to various local factors. It is important to note that no tsunami alert was issued for the U.S. mainland.
The earthquake was attributed to “strike slip faulting in the shallow crust near the boundary between the North America and Caribbean plates,” according to the USGS. The agency’s focal mechanism solutions suggested rupture on a steeply dipping fault structure. As of now, there have been no reports of damage in the aftermath of the earthquake.
In summary, a notable earthquake in the Caribbean Sea triggered a temporary tsunami advisory affecting Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The advisory was later lifted, but authorities stressed caution due to ongoing current risks. Precautions were advised in Cuba, where tsunami wave forecasts were reported. Overall, no damages have been reported as a consequence of the earthquake.
Original Source: cbs12.com
