The tsunami threat in the Caribbean following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake has been lifted, with no significant damages reported. The National Weather Service confirmed minor unusual currents but no alerts remain in place. Cruise ships have resumed routes, and authorities continue to monitor for potential aftershocks.
The Caribbean region has returned to a state of normalcy following the conclusion of tsunami advisories after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service confirmed that the tsunami threat has passed, reporting no significant surges but only minor unusual currents in select areas.
Despite earlier concerns that surges could reach up to 10 feet, the severity of the earthquake’s impact proved to be less than initially feared. As of February 9, the US Geological Survey reported over 350 incidents of individuals feeling the quake, but there have been no reports of injuries or significant damages.
Cruise ships in the vicinity, such as Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Summit, which was closest to the epicenter, have resumed their scheduled routes. After an extended stay in George Town, Cayman Islands, the vessel has since departed and is now heading back to Fort Lauderdale.
Following the earthquake, several Caribbean nations, including Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, were placed on high alert. The situation was complicated by the finding that most deep-ocean tsunami detection buoys near the Cayman Islands were non-operational, raising concerns regarding timely tsunami alerts.
Royal Caribbean’s Meteorologist Craig Setzer reported that only one buoy recorded seismic activity but not tsunami waves, while others remained silent. This issue has highlighted the importance of fully operational tsunami detection systems in relation to regional safety.
Although tsunami warnings have been lifted, authorities have advised vigilance concerning potential aftershocks that may follow. Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands, emphasized the likelihood of aftershocks in the coming days, urging the public to remain informed via official channels.
It is essential for vessels at sea to be aware that deep-seated earthquakes do not typically impact them. Additionally, scheduled port calls in George Town remain unaffected, with large cruise ships expected to arrive in the following days without any warnings currently in place from the port authorities.
In summary, the Caribbean region has moved past the tsunami threat posed by the recent earthquake near the Cayman Islands, as confirmed by NOAA’s National Weather Service. Although no significant damages occurred and cruise activities have resumed, there remains a cautionary note regarding potential aftershocks. Continuous monitoring and operational tsunami detection systems remain critical in ensuring safety in the region.
Original Source: www.cruisehive.com
