The Caribbean experienced a magnitude-7.6 earthquake, leading several islands to issue tsunami advisories and urge residents to move inland. The earthquake struck southwest of the Cayman Islands and prompted heightened precautions in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
On Saturday, the Caribbean region experienced a powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake situated southwest of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred at approximately 6:23 p.m. local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers, and its epicenter was located 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. Given the situation, certain islands and nations have advised residents along the coastline to seek higher ground due to potential tsunami threats.
Though there was no tsunami warning for the U.S. mainland, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In response, Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended residents near the coast relocate inland and ascend to elevated areas, forecasting wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter. Meanwhile, Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González Colón reported ongoing communication with emergency agencies but refrained from advising evacuations from coastal zones.
The Dominican Republic’s government has also issued a tsunami alert, urging individuals near the coast to move to areas exceeding 20 meters in altitude and 2 kilometers inland. Shipping activities have been cautioned, with advisories for vessels to avoid the waters for the next few hours. In Cuba, officials have encouraged residents to vacate beachfront locations in light of the recent seismic activity.
Authorities in Honduras stated that no immediate damage reports had surfaced, yet residents were advised to remain away from beaches temporarily. Following the event, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that tsunami wave heights of 1 to 3 meters could affect various coasts of Cuba, while waves expected on Honduras and the Cayman Islands may range from 0.3 to 1 meter above tide levels.
In summary, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the Caribbean, prompting responses from various island governments to relocate coastal residents due to tsunami advisories. The U.S. government has indicated possible tsunami effects in the region, with height variations expected. Authorities are monitoring the situation and communicating necessary safety measures to mitigate risks to local populations.
Original Source: abc7.com
