A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, triggering tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Riviera Maya. The quake, occurring at a depth of 10 kilometers, had its epicenter approximately 209 kilometers from the Cayman Islands.
A significant earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, prompting immediate tsunami warnings for specific regions including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Riviera Maya. The tremor struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, with its epicenter recorded approximately 209 kilometers from the Cayman Islands, underlining its strength due to a shallow depth of only 10 kilometers, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Earthquakes are measured using the Richter scale, which quantifies seismic magnitude based on energy release. A magnitude of 7.6 indicates a powerful earthquake that can cause considerable damage, especially in coastal areas. Tsunami alerts are crucial for populations in proximity to the epicenter, as they warn of potential oceanic waves that can follow significant underwater seismic events, leading to devastating impacts on coastal communities.
In summary, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Sea showcases the region’s seismic activity and highlights the need for readiness against tsunami threats in surrounding coastal areas. Continuous monitoring by agencies like the USGS is essential to ensure public safety in the wake of such natural disasters.
Original Source: www.vallartadaily.com
