A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, prompting temporary tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The advisories were later canceled, but NOAA warned of potential wave heights along Cuba’s coast. Fortunately, no significant damage was reported following the earthquake.
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 seismic event occurred approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, at around 6:30 p.m. local time, alerting residents and prompting safety measures across nearby regions.
Following the earthquake, the USGS reported a temporary tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, leading authorities to caution residents against visiting beaches and coastal waters due to risks of sea level hazards and flooding. At 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) announced the cancellation of the tsunami advisory, reassuring the public that while alerts had ceased, strong and unusual sea currents may persist.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that tsunami wave heights could reach 1 to 3 meters along certain Cuban coastlines. They further predicted potential wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter for Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The Cuban government, citing these warnings, advised residents to evacuate beachfront areas for their safety.
The NOAA clarified that actual wave amplitudes at the coast may differ from forecasts due to various local conditions. Notably, the NTWC confirmed that there was no tsunami alert in effect for the U.S. mainland. The USGS attributed the earthquake to strike-slip faulting occurring within the Earth’s crust near the tectonic boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates.
There were no immediate reports of damage resulting from the earthquake, reflecting an overall fortunate outcome despite the seismic activity. The event emphasizes the geological volatility of the region and the importance of preparedness for such natural phenomena.
The Caribbean region is seismically active due to the interactions between the North America and Caribbean tectonic plates. Earthquakes in this area can generate tsunami threats, prompting authorities to issue advisories to mitigate risks to coastal populations. Organizations like the USGS and NOAA play critical roles in monitoring seismic activity and issuing timely warnings to protect communities from potential disasters.
In summary, a significant earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude shook the Caribbean Sea, leading to temporary tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, later lifted by the NTWC. Although sea hazards and unusual currents persisted, no tsunami warnings were issued for the U.S. mainland. The event serves as a reminder of the geological risks inherent in the Caribbean region.
Original Source: keprtv.com
