A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Coastal residents in several countries were urged to move inland. Although no immediate damage reports were received from Honduras, there were warning measures in place across the affected islands.
On Saturday, the Caribbean Sea experienced a magnitude-7.6 earthquake located southwest of the Cayman Islands. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers and an epicenter situated 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands.
In response to potential tsunami risks, various islands and countries urged coastal residents to move to higher ground. The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland but provided a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, predicting wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter.
The Hazard Management Cayman Islands instructed coastal residents to seek higher ground. Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón communicated with emergency agencies regarding the tsunami advisory but advised residents against evacuating the coast. Conversely, the Dominican government issued a tsunami alert, advocating for coastal residents to relocate to areas above 20 meters in altitude and 2 kilometers inland.
Cuban authorities similarly recommended that individuals vacate beachfront areas. Reports from Honduras indicated that while there were no immediate damage reports, residents were cautioned to avoid beaches in the ensuing hours. NOAA later projected potential tsunami waves reaching between 1 to 3 meters along some Cuban coasts and waves of 0.3 to 1 meter along certain coasts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
In summary, the magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean prompted significant concern across multiple regions. Emergency responses involved evacuations and advisories, particularly for vulnerable coastal areas in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Honduras. The potential for tsunami waves further highlighted the need for caution and preparedness in affected regions.
Original Source: abc7.com
