A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands, prompting temporary tsunami advisories and evacuation recommendations. Most warnings have since been canceled, with authorities ensuring safety for coastal residents across affected islands, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
A significant earthquake measuring 7.6 in magnitude struck the Caribbean Sea, occurring south of the Cayman Islands on Saturday at 6:23 p.m. local time. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers. While initial warnings suggested caution for coastal residents, subsequent tsunami alerts were mostly lifted by local authorities.
Following the quake, several islands, including the Cayman Islands, advised coastal residents to seek higher ground. The Hazard Management Cayman Islands warned of potential wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter. However, the Cayman government later declared an “all clear” on social media. Although a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it was subsequently canceled without necessitating evacuations along the U.S. mainland.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated she remained in communication with emergency agencies after the advisory. Media reports indicated that alarms caused residents in the northwest region to leave the coast, resulting in significant traffic disruptions. The Dominican government initially recommended that coastal residents evacuate to elevations beyond 20 meters and at least 2 kilometers inland, but this alert was later retracted.
In Honduras, officials reported no immediate damage but advised residents to refrain from visiting beaches. Similarly, the Cuban government urged individuals in beachfront areas to evacuate. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States warned that tsunami waves could potentially reach heights of 1 to 3 meters along certain Cuban coasts.
In conclusion, the Caribbean was shaken by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, prompting tsunami advisories and precautionary evacuations in several regions. Most alerts have since been lifted, indicating a return to normalcy for affected residents. Authorities in various countries responded to ensure citizen safety, demonstrating the effective management of potentially dangerous circumstances.
Original Source: www.wtap.com
