A magnitude 7.6 earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, triggering a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Although the advisory was later lifted, strong currents may still pose risks. The NOAA reported potential tsunami waves for Cuba, with local authorities urging evacuations of beachfront areas.
On Saturday, the Caribbean Sea experienced a notable earthquake measured at a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Occurring approximately 130 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, the seismic event took place shortly before 6:30 PM. Authorities responded to the earthquake by issuing a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, cautioning residents to avoid beaches and coastal waters due to potential flooding and sea level hazards.
By around 8:15 PM, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) had canceled the tsunami advisory for the affected areas. Nevertheless, the NTWC warned that abnormal and strong currents might persist, advising the public to exercise caution when near water. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted tsunami wave heights between 1 to 3 meters along certain Cuban coasts, while concerns also extended to Honduras and the Cayman Islands.
The Cuban government has since urged individuals to evacuate beachfront regions as a precaution. NOAA clarified that actual tsunami wave amplitudes could differ from forecasted values due to local geographic features and other uncertainties. There were no tsunami alerts issued for the U.S. mainland following the event.
The USGS attributed the earthquake to strike-slip faulting in the shallow crust, positioned at the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. According to USGS focal mechanism determinations, the rupture occurred on a steeply dipping structure striking either west-northwest or west-southwest. No immediate damage reports were noted following the earthquake.
This article discusses a significant earthquake in the Caribbean Sea, highlighting its impact on local regions, particularly Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The United States Geological Survey provided essential data regarding the earthquake’s magnitude, location, and subsequent tsunami advisories. The response from NOAA and local governments underscores the risks associated with tsunamis and the necessary precautions for coastal communities.
In summary, a significant earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting a temporary tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which was subsequently lifted. While authorities reported no immediate damage, warnings regarding strong currents and tsunami potential remained in effect for nearby regions, with particular caution advised for the coastal areas of Cuba. The event serves as a reminder of the geological activity in the region and the importance of preparedness in coastal communities.
Original Source: abc7amarillo.com
