On Saturday, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, triggering a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The advisory was canceled later in the evening, but caution was still advised due to unusual sea currents. Cuba also faced potential tsunami waves, prompting government warnings for residents near the shore.
A significant earthquake, with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, shook the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event was centered approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, occurring around 6:30 p.m. local time. In the wake of the earthquake, a temporary tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, prompting officials to advise residents to avoid coastal areas due to potential risks of sea level hazards and flooding.
By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) announced the cancellation of the tsunami advisory, stating, “While alerts have ended, strong and unusual currents may continue. Be careful near the water and use caution,” as communicated via their social media platform. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that specific coastal regions of Cuba could experience tsunami waves between 1 to 3 meters above the tide, while varying predictions were made for Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
The Cuban government, in response to the possible threat, urged citizens to vacate beachfront zones. The NOAA advised that actual wave amplitudes could differ from initial forecasts owing to uncertainties and local geographical features. Notably, there was no tsunami warning issued for the U.S. mainland. According to the USGS, the earthquake was attributed to strike-slip faulting near the boundary of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, with the mechanism indicating a rupture along a steeply inclined structure.
In summary, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake impacted the Caribbean Sea, prompting a short-lived tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Though the advisory was subsequently lifted, caution was recommended due to lingering sea currents. The event elicited warnings from Cuba regarding possible tsunami waves, highlighting the significance of geological activity in the region.
Original Source: idahonews.com
