Magnitude-7.6 Earthquake in Caribbean Prompts Safety Advisories
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands, prompting evacuation advisories from various islands. Tsunami alerts were issued and later lifted in most places. Safety measures included recommendations to move inland and to higher ground, especially in affected regions like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands on Saturday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, located 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, with a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, several islands and countries advised coastal residents to evacuate inland, although tsunami alerts were later lifted in most regions.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland but did provide an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was subsequently canceled. Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended that residents near the coast move to higher ground, expecting wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter; however, the Cayman Islands government later confirmed that the situation was under control.
Governance in Puerto Rico, represented by Governor Jenniffer González Colón, stated that while communication with emergency agencies was ongoing following the tsunami advisory, there were no recommendations for evacuation from coastal areas. Nevertheless, the sounding of alarms prompted some residents to vacate these regions amidst reports of heavy traffic.
The Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert, advising coastal inhabitants to move to elevations exceeding 20 meters and at least 2 kilometers inland, but later canceled this alert. Meanwhile, officials in Honduras reported no immediate damage and advised against visiting beaches, as Cuban authorities requested evacuation from beachfront areas. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Cuba faced potential tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along certain coasts.
In summary, a significant earthquake struck the Caribbean near the Cayman Islands, prompting various regional governments to issue evacuation advisories and tsunami warnings. While most alerts were subsequently lifted, communication between authorities and the public remained crucial. Overall, the event highlighted the necessary precautions coastal inhabitants must take in response to seismic activities, ensuring safety during such occurrences.
Original Source: www.wtap.com
