A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean near the Cayman Islands, prompting evacuations along coastlines. Tsunami alerts were issued and later lifted for multiple regions, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The quake’s epicenter was located 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, with no immediate damages reported, though authorities advised caution near beaches.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea south of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake, which occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, was centered approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town and had a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, coastal authorities in various regions urged residents to evacuate inland, but most tsunami alerts were later rescinded.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that while there was no tsunami threat to the U.S. mainland, a tsunami advisory was initially issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later cancelled. In the Cayman Islands, the Hazard Management Agency advised coastal residents to seek higher ground, predicting wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. Following this, the government announced an “all clear” on social media.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón assured residents that she was coordinating with emergency agencies after the tsunami advisory but did not advise an evacuation from coastal areas. Reports indicated that the sounding of alarms in the northwest region led to significant traffic as residents left the coasts. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert with recommendations for coastal residents to move to higher ground before the alert was lifted.
Authorities in Honduras reported no immediate damage but advised citizens to avoid the beaches. In Cuba, the government recommended residents leave beachfront areas due to the potential of tsunami waves reaching heights of one to three meters above normal tide levels along some coasts, as communicated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In summary, the recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean prompted quick responses from authorities across several islands, with mixed reactions concerning coastal evacuation and tsunami alerts. While tsunami threats were largely cancelled, safety measures were taken seriously as local governments prioritized resident safety. The situation highlights the region’s vulnerability to seismic activity and the importance of preparedness in such emergencies.
Original Source: www.wilx.com
