On Saturday, a preliminary magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean Sea led to a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the advisory was later lifted, warnings about unusual currents persisted. Cuba was forecasted to possibly experience tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters. The earthquake resulted from tectonic activity between the North American and Caribbean plates, with no reported damage immediately following the quake.
A significant earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude occurred in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake struck shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time, prompting a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Authorities issued warnings advising residents to avoid beaches and coastal areas due to the potential risks of flooding and hazardous sea levels.
By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) lifted the tsunami advisory for both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. However, the NTWC cautioned that unusual currents might persist, urging the public to exercise care near water bodies. Reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that tsunami wave projections could reach between 1 to 3 meters along Cuba’s coastline.
The Cuban government responded to the situation by advising individuals to evacuate beachfront regions. The NOAA highlighted that actual tsunami amplitudes may differ from forecasts based on local features and uncertainties. Notably, no tsunami warnings were issued for the U.S. mainland following the earthquake, as indicated by the NTWC.
The USGS attributed the earthquake to strike-slip faulting within the shallow crust at the junction of the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. Focal mechanism solutions suggested that the rupture took place along a steeply dipping structure that either struck west-northwest or west-southwest. Fortunately, immediate reports indicated that no damage had occurred following the seismic event.
In summary, a notable earthquake measuring 7.6 impacted the Caribbean Sea, resulting in temporary tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the advisory was subsequently lifted, authorities emphasized ongoing vigilance regarding water conditions. Cuba is potential to experience marginal tsunami waves, necessitating precautionary measures along its coastline. The USGS identified the seismic activity as a result of tectonic movements at the boundary of the North American and Caribbean plates, with no immediate damage reports available.
Original Source: cbs12.com
