A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, leading several islands to issue evacuation advisories for coastal residents. Initial tsunami alerts were placed, especially for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, though most were later rescinded. There were no reports of significant damage, but safety precautions were urged by various authorities.
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake rocked the Caribbean Sea, originating approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time and was located at a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, multiple islands and countries issued advisories urging coastal residents to evacuate inland, although most tsunami alerts were subsequently lifted by authorities.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that while there was no tsunami warning for the U.S. mainland, an advisory was initially issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later rescinded. Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended that residents move to higher ground, anticipating wave heights between 0.3 and 1 meter. The Cayman Islands Government later declared an “all clear” on their social media platforms.
In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón communicated with emergency agencies, though she did not advise residents to leave coastal areas. Traffic congestion occurred due to sirens sounded in the northwest region, leading some individuals to evacuate from the shoreline. The Dominican Republic also issued a tsunami alert, suggesting residents relocate to elevations exceeding 20 meters and 2 kilometers inland before canceling the alert.
Authorities in Honduras reported no immediate damage from the quake but advised locals to avoid coastal areas as a precaution. In Cuba, governmental advisories recommended that individuals vacate beachfront locations. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned of potential tsunami waves reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters along certain Cuban shorelines.
In summary, a significant 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, prompting coastal evacuation advisories for multiple islands. While tsunami risks were assessed, alerts were predominantly lifted as no major damages were reported. Governments acted swiftly to ensure public safety and clear communication as the situation evolved.
Original Source: www.wtap.com
