A powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean Sea, prompting a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The advisory was later canceled, but caution was encouraged due to strong currents. NOAA forecasts tsunami waves up to 3 meters for parts of Cuba, although no damage has been reported.
On Saturday, a significant earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, registering a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The seismic event occurred approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, just before 6:30 p.m. This incident prompted a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with local authorities urging residents to refrain from visiting beaches or coastal regions due to potential sea level hazards and flooding risks.
By 8:15 p.m., the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) canceled the tsunami advisory for these areas. However, the NTWC cautioned that “strong and unusual currents may continue” following the advisory’s end, advising the public to exercise caution near water. NOAA highlighted the possibility of tsunami waves reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters along parts of Cuba’s coastline, advising the public to remain vigilant.
The forecast indicated Cuba could face tsunami waves up to 3 meters, while Honduras and the Cayman Islands might see waves between 0.3 to 1 meter. Despite the warnings, no tsunami alert was issued for the U.S. mainland, as confirmed by NTWC. The earthquake’s cause was attributed to “strike slip faulting in the shallow crust near the boundary between the North America and Caribbean plates,” according to USGS analysis.
Currently, there have been no reports of damage in the aftermath of the earthquake, enabling authorities to continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as necessary. The Cuban government, in response to the tsunami threats, advised citizens to evacuate beachfront locations for safety. The NOAA emphasized the need for caution due to possible variations in actual tsunami amplitudes compared to initial forecasts.
In conclusion, the significant earthquake in the Caribbean Sea resulted in a temporary tsunami advisory affecting Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the advisory was eventually lifted, authorities urged caution due to residual currents. The potential for tsunami waves along Cuban shores remains a concern. Fortunately, no damage was reported, and everyone is urged to stay informed and cautious in light of ongoing monitoring efforts.
Original Source: cbs12.com
