Tsunami Threat Subsides in Caribbean After 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake
Following a 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands, tsunami advisories have been lifted with no major impacts reported. The NOAA confirmed the threat has passed, while aftershocks remain a possibility. Cruise ships have resumed their scheduled itineraries as normalcy returns to the region.
The Caribbean region, including tourists from cruise ships, can now feel relieved following the lifting of tsunami advisories that were prompted by a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands on February 8. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that the tsunami threat has passed with no significant tidal surges reported, although minimal unusual currents might affect some areas.
The National Weather Service stated, “With the latest modeling and information, the tsunami threat has passed. There are no alerts posted for the United States or International Partners.” Initial fears of surges reaching up to 10 feet were mitigated as reports indicated the earthquake’s impact was not as severe as anticipated.
As of early February 9, the U.S. Geological Survey received over 350 reports from individuals who felt the quake, with no injuries or severe damage reported. Cruise ships in the area have resumed their operations, with the Celebrity Summit, the closest passenger ship to the epicenter, having extended its stay in George Town, Grand Cayman, for five hours but now en route back to Fort Lauderdale.
Additionally, the Seven Seas Grandeur, a Regent Seven Seas ship, is currently sailing towards Falmouth, Jamaica, after departing Costa Maya, Mexico, during the earthquake. Meanwhile, various territories including Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and parts of the U.S. were placed on high alert after the earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time.
Notably, five out of six Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys near the Cayman Islands were non-operational, complicating the tsunami response. Royal Caribbean’s Meteorologist Craig Setzer mentioned on X, “Buoy 42409 in the central Gulf apparently recorded the ‘shaking’ as a series of deep-water waves passed, but not tsunami waves. The other buoys are reporting ‘NO DATA.’”
Despite the lifting of tsunami warnings, authorities are still cautioning residents and tourists about potential aftershocks, which are typically smaller earthquakes following a significant seismic event. “We have no doubt that there will be aftershocks over the next couple of days,” stated Dani Coleman, director of Hazard Management Cayman Islands.
It is crucial to note that ships traveling in the sea are generally unaffected by earthquakes occurring deep below the surface and are equipped to handle rough sea conditions. The George Town tender port has no scheduled calls for February 9, with the next arrivals expected from Independence of the Seas on February 10, and Seven Seas Grandeur along with Disney Treasure on February 11. The port authority has not issued any further warnings as the situation stabilizes.
In summary, the threatened tsunami following the February 8 earthquake in the Caribbean has been deemed a non-issue as per the NOAA’s announcements. Precautions are advised regarding possible aftershocks, but the immediate threat has subsided, allowing for the resumption of cruise ship itineraries and normal regional activities. Continuous monitoring is expected to ensure public safety in the area.
Original Source: www.cruisehive.com
