A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean south of the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami advisories and evacuation recommendations across several islands. Although initial warnings led to temporary evacuations, most alerts were subsequently lifted, and authorities confirmed no significant damage. Awareness and preparedness remain essential in these earthquake-prone regions.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean region, particularly south of the Cayman Islands, on Saturday at 6:23 p.m. local time. The quake, originating at a depth of 10 kilometers, had its epicenter about 130 miles southwest of George Town. Initially, several coastal regions were put on alert and residents were advised to evacuate to higher ground, although authorities later lifted tsunami warnings in most areas.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami threat for the mainland United States; however, a tsunami advisory was briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, later rescinded. The Hazard Management Cayman Islands urged residents along the coast to seek inland shelter due to expected wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter, but this warning was subsequently lifted as officials declared an “all clear”.
In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated she was coordinating with emergency services but did not see the need for coastal evacuations. Nevertheless, the activation of warning sirens led many residents to leave coastal regions, causing significant congestion. The Dominican Republic also issued a tsunami alert, advising evacuation to higher grounds, which was then lifted.
Authorities in Honduras reported no significant damages but advised citizens to avoid coastal areas until further notice. Concurrently, the Cuban government encouraged residents to vacate beach areas, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that some regions of Cuba might experience tsunami waves between 1 and 3 meters above tide levels.
The occurrence of earthquakes in the Caribbean is not uncommon due to the region’s tectonic activity. This particular magnitude-7.6 earthquake raised alarms across various territories, prompting precautionary measures such as evacuations and advisories. Understanding seismic events and the potential for tsunamis is crucial for residents in these coastal regions. Preparedness and timely responses from government agencies play a significant role in mitigating risks associated with such natural disasters.
In summary, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean prompted immediate responses from government authorities across the region, including evacuations and tsunami advisories. Although the immediate threat of a tsunami was later deemed manageable, the incident underscores the importance of preparedness to protect residents from natural calamities. Continuous communication and monitoring by authorities are essential to ensure public safety during such events.
Original Source: www.wifr.com
