7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Hits the Caribbean; Coastal Evacuations Prompted
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands, prompting evacuations in several coastal regions. While initial tsunami alerts were issued, most were later lifted. Authorities monitored the situation closely, ensuring public safety without immediate reports of damage.
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, southeast of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Authorities in various Caribbean islands recommended that residents near the coast evacuate inland; however, most tsunami alerts were subsequently retracted. The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center clarified that there was no tsunami warning for the mainland United States but did issue an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later canceled. Hazard Management in the Cayman Islands advised residents to seek higher ground due to anticipated wave heights between 0.3 to 1 meter. This advisory was later lifted, indicating that conditions had stabilized.
In response to the tsunami advisory, Puerto Rican Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated she was in contact with emergency management agencies, yet she did not recommend evacuation from coastal regions. Despite this, the sounding of alarms led to mass evacuations and significant traffic congestion in northwest Puerto Rico.
The Dominican Republic issued a tsunami alert, urging coastal residents to ascend to areas above 20 meters in altitude, moving 2 kilometers inland. This advisory, however, was also rescinded following the tremor. Meanwhile, Honduran authorities reported no damage and instructed citizens to avoid the beaches. Cuba’s government urged people in coastal zones to evacuate as a precautionary measure.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that tsunami waves might reach between 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels along certain Cuban coasts. The overall situation seems to be under control with no immediate reports of damage following the earthquake event.
The recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean led to various precautionary measures across multiple islands, with many authorities issuing tsunami alerts that were later withdrawn. Significant response actions were observed in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the Cayman Islands, with the situation now stabilized as officials continue to monitor for any further developments.
Original Source: www.wilx.com
