A 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami advisory alerts in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other regions. Residents in coastal areas were urged to move inland as precautionary measures were initiated by various governments due to potential tsunami waves.
On Saturday, a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, south-southwest of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The tremor occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time and registered at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Located 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, the quake prompted several nations and territories to issue advisories regarding potential tsunami threats.
In response to the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that while there was no tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended that residents near the coast move to higher ground, predicting wave heights between 0.3 and 1 meter.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón of Puerto Rico stated she was coordinating with emergency agencies concerning the tsunami advisory but did not advise evacuation from coastal areas. The Dominican Republic followed suit, issuing a tsunami alert and advising residents to seek elevated regions over 20 meters and at least 2 kilometers inland. The Dominican authorities also urged ships to avoid the sea for the upcoming hours.
In Cuba, officials instructed citizens to evacuate beachfront areas as a precaution. Honduran authorities reported no immediate damages but advised their residents to refrain from visiting beaches for the time being. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration later noted the potential for tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters above tide levels in Cuba’s coastal areas.
In summary, a significant 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean, leading to a series of tsunami advisories and precautions across multiple islands. Authorities in the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Honduras have all issued recommendations for residents near coastal areas to move to higher ground and avoid the sea temporarily. Potential tsunami waves may reach varying heights along the affected coasts, necessitating caution and preparedness among residents.
Original Source: abc7.com
