A magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred near Honduras, triggering a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The quake was reported at 6:23 p.m. ET, with potential hazardous sea level changes expected to begin at 8:48 p.m. ET. Residents are advised to evacuate coastal areas as authorities continue to assess the tsunami threat.
On Saturday, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck approximately 20 miles north of Honduras at 6:23 p.m. Eastern Time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event has prompted the US National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) to issue a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Due to potential sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents, coastal residents are warned to exercise caution near beaches, harbors, and coastal waters.
The earliest estimated time for the onset of hazardous sea level changes in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands has been projected to be at 8:48 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday. While the creation of tsunami waves has yet to be confirmed, the NTWC is actively monitoring the situation and assessing the potential tsunami threat.
In light of the current situation, it is strongly recommended that residents of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands vacate beaches, move inland from shorelines, and refrain from observing the potential tsunami from harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets. This advisory aims to ensure the safety of individuals in affected regions while officials continue to evaluate the threat level.
Earthquakes are common occurrences in seismically active regions, such as those near the Caribbean. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake is considered significant and carries the potential to generate tsunami waves, which can pose serious risks to coastal communities. The response to an earthquake often includes tsunami warnings, which are based on scientific evaluations performed by organizations such as the USGS and NTWC to protect the public from natural disasters.
In summary, a significant earthquake has raised concerns regarding tsunami threats to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Residents are urged to prioritize safety by moving away from coastal areas and remaining vigilant as monitoring continues. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided by authorities as new information becomes available.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
