A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean near the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami warnings in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Authorities advised coastal residents to move inland, but alerts were later canceled, indicating no major damage. Some regions experienced alarm-induced evacuations, but overall reports suggest a swift response to ensure safety along coastlines.
On Saturday, a significant earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale rocked the Caribbean, specifically situated south of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The event occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, with an epicenter approximately 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town. The earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers, prompting various islands to advise coastal residents to move inland.
In response to the event, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland but did issue a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was subsequently rescinded. Hazard Management Cayman Islands advised residents to seek higher ground, anticipating wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. However, the Cayman Islands government later lifted their warnings and declared an “all clear” via social media.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón maintained communication with emergency services following the advisories but did not issue a recommendation for evacuating coastal areas. Despite this, alarm systems in the northwestern region of Puerto Rico led to heightened anxiety, resulting in residents vacating coastal zones and causing considerable traffic congestion in some areas.
In the Dominican Republic, authorities initially advised coastal residents to seek higher ground, recommending an elevation of over 20 meters and a retreat of 2 kilometers inland. However, this tsunami alert was also subsequently canceled. Meanwhile, Honduran officials reported no significant damages but cautioned residents to refrain from visiting beaches. Additionally, the Cuban government successfully requested the evacuation of beachfront locations in anticipation of potential repercussions from the quake.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States indicated that tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels could affect specific coastal regions of Cuba. These measures and alerts reflect the urgent response instigated by the earthquake’s dramatic impact.
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Caribbean has prompted immediate concern and precautionary actions among various islands. While authorities issued tsunami advisories, many have since been canceled, and reports indicate no significant damage. Coastlines in affected areas have been closely monitored, ensuring public safety in the aftermath of this seismic event.
Original Source: www.wtap.com
