A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean, leading to initial tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which were later canceled. However, warnings remained in effect for Cuba and the Cayman Islands, where waves of various heights were anticipated. Residents were urged to stay away from coastal areas during the alert period.
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, prompting a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. ET, approximately 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, as reported by the US Geological Survey. Initially, residents in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were advised to stay away from beaches, harbors, and inlets due to potential tsunami threats.
However, the tsunami advisory for these regions was later rescinded, although warnings remained in effect for Cuba, where tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters above tide level were anticipated. Advisory announcements were also maintained for Honduras and the Cayman Islands, expecting waves of 30 centimeters to 1 meter above tide level. The projected arrival for these waves was between 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET.
On Saturday, a significant seismic event—a magnitude 7.6 earthquake—was recorded in the Caribbean, leading to a swift emergency response involving tsunami advisories. The US National Tsunami Warning Center highlighted the potential for danger to various regions and alerted local populations to take precautions by avoiding coastal areas. The earthquake’s epicenter and its geographical implications underscored the risk of tsunami formation in the affected territories.
In summary, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean triggered immediate tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which were later canceled. While the immediate threat to these areas subsided, caution remained for nearby regions like Cuba and the Cayman Islands, where tsunami waves were still expected. Authorities urged communities to stay informed and heed safety advisories as the situation developed.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
