Strong 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Caribbean, Tsunami Alerts Issued
A vivid 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred southwest of the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami warnings and advisories for several Caribbean regions. Governments in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba urged coastal residents to relocate to safer areas. While no tsunami warning was issued for the U.S. mainland, precautionary measures remain critical.
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea, southwest of the Cayman Islands, on Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, with an epicenter located approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town. The tremor had a depth of 10 kilometers, prompting various coastal regions to advise residents to move inland as a precaution against a possible tsunami.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami alert for the continental United States; however, an advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management authorities in the Cayman Islands instructed coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground, anticipating wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón indicated she was in communication with emergency services but did not advise evacuating coastal areas.
The Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert, encouraging residents in coastal locations to seek refuge in high areas exceeding 20 meters in altitude and at least 2 kilometers inland. Additionally, Cuban authorities urged individuals to vacate beachfront regions. Reports from Honduran officials indicated that, while there were no immediate damages, residents were advised to refrain from visiting beaches for the forthcoming hours.
Subsequent statements from the U.S. government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) noted the potential for tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along certain coasts of Cuba. They stated that waves between 0.3 and 1 meter could also affect the coasts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. As highlighted by NOAA, actual wave amplitudes may differ from forecasts due to local geographical variations.
Seismic activity in the Caribbean region is not uncommon, with earthquakes often triggering tsunami warnings due to the geographical layout. The U.S. Geological Survey plays a crucial role in monitoring such events and providing timely updates. Tsunamis pose significant risks to coastal populations, prompting immediate responses from local and national authorities to ensure public safety.
In summary, the recent magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean has prompted precautionary measures across several islands, including evacuations and warnings about potential tsunami waves. Various governments are actively communicating with their citizens to ensure safety as they monitor the situation. The incident underscores the importance of preparedness in seismically active regions, maintaining vigilance against natural disasters.
Original Source: kvnutalk.com
