A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck near the Cayman Islands on February 8, 2025, triggering tsunami warnings for multiple coastal areas, including hazardous waves expected along Cuba’s coastline. The situation is currently under monitoring, and residents are advised to stay vigilant and follow local official instructions.
A significant earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck near the Cayman Islands late Saturday, prompting tsunami warnings for various coastal regions. Occurring at 23:23 UTC on February 8, 2025, the earthquake’s epicenter was recorded at 17.8°N, 82.5°W, with a depth of 33 km (20 miles). As authorities assess the tsunami risk, waves of 1 to 3 meters are expected along Cuba’s coast, while smaller waves may impact Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) has issued alerts, emphasizing that the actual impacts may vary due to local conditions. Tsunami waves are anticipated to arrive at different locations starting February 9, with Puerto Cortes and Trujillo in Honduras encountering waves as early as 00:22 and 01:08 UTC, respectively. It is crucial to note that a tsunami consists of several waves, and larger waves may occur later, with intervals lasting from five minutes to an hour.
No tsunami warnings have been issued for the United States; however, monitoring measures will remain in effect. Local governments are advising residents in affected areas to be vigilant and heed official directives, including potential evacuations. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) acknowledged the earthquake and confirmed its magnitude via social media,” Notable quake, preliminary info: M 7.6 – 209 km SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands.” This ongoing situation will continue to be monitored, with updates to follow as more information becomes available.
The earthquake near the Cayman Islands is part of a well-documented pattern of seismic activity in the Caribbean region, which is vulnerable to larger quakes owing to tectonic plate movement. Tsunami warnings are a critical safety measure adopted by governments and meteorological agencies to prepare coastal communities for potential wave surges following significant underwater seismic events. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center plays a vital role in assessing tsunami risks and communicating timely warnings to ensure public safety in potentially affected areas.
In summary, the recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands has led to tsunami warnings for coastal regions in the vicinity, particularly Cuba and parts of Honduras. Monitoring agencies are actively assessing the situation and advising local residents to remain alert. As this situation develops, officials will provide continuous updates on the risks and necessary precautions.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
