A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean on Saturday, triggering a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands and other locations. Officials urged coastal residents to evacuate, noting that tsunami activity could occur within an hour. The USGS adjusted the earthquake’s magnitude, revealing that large earthquakes are common in this seismically active region.
On Saturday evening, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the western Caribbean, leading to the issuance of a tsunami advisory for the Cayman Islands. The tremor occurred at approximately 6:30 PM local time, at a depth of around 6 miles and located about 130 miles southwest of George Town. Although the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico were initially under threat, they were later cleared of the tsunami risk.
The Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency urged coastal residents to move inland, as they could experience tsunami activity within an hour. They described the tsunami waves as deceptively powerful, potentially reaching widths of 50 to 60 miles, despite their height being measured at around 1.5 feet. Cuba was also placed under tsunami warnings, with anticipated wave heights between 3 to 10 feet in designated areas.
Initially, a tsunami advisory from the National Weather Service warned residents in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to clear the water due to potential dangerous conditions. Governor Jenniffer González Colón of Puerto Rico emphasized the need for caution, advising individuals to evacuate from coastal waters immediately.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude at 8.0, later adjusting it to 7.6, indicating that “little or no population” faced significant shaking. The USGS noted that such large earthquakes at this plate boundary are typical, with ten recorded magnitude 6 or greater events in the last century. They referred to the January 10, 2018 earthquake, which caused a small tsunami but was mitigated by the earthquake’s remote location.
The Caribbean region is seismically active due to the movement of tectonic plates, particularly near the boundary between the North American and Caribbean plates. Earthquakes of significant magnitude are not uncommon in this area, and understanding their potential impacts is crucial for local governments and residents. Tsunami warnings are a critical part of emergency management, informing communities about the potential for dangerous waves following seismic events.
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean prompted swift responses from local governments and emergency agencies to mitigate the risks associated with tsunamis. With warnings issued and evacuations recommended, the region demonstrated preparedness for seismic events. The USGS emphasized the usual nature of such earthquakes in the area, contributing to ongoing assessments of risks and safety protocols.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
