A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands on Saturday. Coastal areas were advised to move inland due to potential waves, but tsunami alerts were mostly lifted afterward. Disturbances caused evacuations and traffic in Puerto Rico and alerts in other islands. Some regions are under advisories for tsunami waves up to 3 meters.
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake was recorded in the Caribbean Sea, particularly south of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) from George Town, Cayman Islands, and at a depth of 10 kilometers. Coastal areas were advised to move inland due to wave height predictions; however, many tsunami alerts were later lifted.
Following the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center indicated no tsunami risk for the U.S. mainland. Nonetheless, a tsunami advisory was briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which has since been canceled. Hazard Management Cayman Islands directed individuals living near the coast to evacuate to higher ground as wave heights between 0.3 to 1 meter were anticipated.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón of Puerto Rico stated she remained in contact with emergency management agencies after the tsunami advisory. Although individual evacuations occurred in response to alarms in Puerto Rico’s northwest region, she did not recommend a massive coastal evacuation. Reports indicated heavy traffic in affected areas as residents fled coastal zones.
The government of the Dominican Republic also issued a tsunami alert, recommending those living near the coast relocate to areas higher than 20 meters and at least 2 kilometers inland, but this alert was later rescinded. In Honduras, authorities reported no immediate damages but advised residents to avoid beaches, while Cuba requested that individuals leave beachfront zones to ensure safety.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. warned that tsunami waves possibly reaching 1 to 3 meters above the normal tide levels could affect certain coastal areas of Cuba. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of citizens in the region.
In summary, the region was shaken by a magnitude-7.6 earthquake, prompting evacuation advisories in several coastal areas of the Caribbean. Although tsunami alerts were generated and subsequently canceled, various governments urged residents to prioritize safety by moving to elevated grounds. Continuous assessments and monitoring are being conducted by local authorities to manage any further risks effectively.
Original Source: www.wilx.com
