7.6 Magnitude Earthquake in the Caribbean Triggers Tsunami Advisory

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean on Saturday night, prompting a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. Coastal residents were urged to move inland. The earthquake was recalibrated from an initial 8.0 magnitude and caused little impact due to its remote location. While warnings were canceled for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, similar threats were noted for Cuba.

On Saturday night, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean, resulting in a tsunami advisory primarily for the Cayman Islands after other nearby regions were deemed safe. The quake occurred approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, at a depth of six miles, according to the US Geological Survey. The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency urged coastal residents to move inland and seek higher ground, warning of potential tsunami activity within an hour of the alert.

The tsunami warning described by the Hazard Management Agency noted that waves, although small at about 1.5 feet in height, could extend over a vast area, impacting water movement up to 50-60 miles wide. Additionally, a similar advisory was issued for Cuba, anticipating waves measuring between 3 and 10 feet. Meanwhile, warnings for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands were later canceled.

In Puerto Rico, the National Weather Service had issued a precautionary tsunami advisory advising residents to vacate the waters, particularly along the west and south coasts. Governor Jenniffer González Colón reiterated the need for safety, stating, “Although no major impact event is anticipated, as a safety precaution no one should be in the water until further notice.”

The US Geological Survey initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude at 8.0 before recalibrating it to 7.6. According to their analysis, only a small population experienced the earthquake’s effects, affirming that large seismic events at this plate boundary are not uncommon. They noted that the region has witnessed ten earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater in the past century, with a significant event in January 2018 causing some damage and a minor tsunami due to its remote location. This limits the potential for substantial damage due to shaking.

The recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Western Caribbean highlights the ongoing seismic activity in the region. The Caribbean is prone to earthquakes because it sits near the boundary of several tectonic plates, which frequently lead to significant seismic events. Understanding previous occurrences, such as the 2018 quake, is crucial for assessing potential risks and implementing safety measures for residents living near coastlines, particularly during tsunami advisories.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean has underscored the necessity for preparedness in earthquake-prone regions. Authorities have effectively responded to the situation, issuing timely tsunami advisories and safety precautions for coastal residents. Although the immediate impact seemed minimal, the event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability associated with seismic activity in this area.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com