A 7.6 magnitude earthquake impacted the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. While the tsunami advisory was lifted hours later, NOAA warned of potential sea level hazards along Cuba and urged safety precautions. The earthquake originated due to tectonic activity at the boundary of North American and Caribbean plates, with no immediate damage reported.
A significant earthquake occurred on Saturday evening in the Caribbean Sea, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event took place approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, striking just before 6:30 p.m. local time.
In the wake of this earthquake, a temporary tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, warning residents to avoid beaches and coastal waters due to potential sea level hazards and flooding risks. By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) lifted the tsunami advisory but cautioned that unusual currents could still pose risks near the shoreline.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that there could be tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 3 meters above the tide along Cuba’s coasts. In comparison, smaller wave forecasts were provided for Honduras and the Cayman Islands. Authorities in Cuba advised residents to evacuate beachfront regions as a precautionary measure.
The earthquake’s cause was identified as strike-slip faulting occurring in the shallow crust near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. No accounts of damage were reported immediately following the earthquake, and there was no tsunami alert for the mainland United States.
Earthquakes in the Caribbean region are not uncommon, given the tectonic activity related to the interaction of the North American and Caribbean plates. The response to such seismic activities includes monitoring by geological agencies, such as the USGS and NOAA, which provide timely alerts and advisories to ensure public safety. The occurrence of tsunamis, although less frequent, poses significant risks to coastal regions, making preparedness and awareness crucial for residents living in susceptible areas.
In summary, a notable earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude struck the Caribbean Sea, leading to temporary tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although advisories were later canceled, continued caution was recommended due to potential strong currents. Monitoring authorities are vigilant regarding the ongoing seismic risks in the region, particularly for areas such as Cuba, where tsunami waves could occur.
Original Source: keprtv.com
