A magnitude 7.6 earthquake hit the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami advisories for the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Residents were urged to move inland due to potential wave threats. NOAA warned of possible tsunami waves affecting nearby coasts.
On February 8, 2025, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands at 6:23 PM local time, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The US Geological Survey identified the epicenter as located 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. In response, some Caribbean nations issued advisories urging coastal residents to evacuate inland due to potential tsunami threats.
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a tsunami advisory was enacted, though no alert was issued for the U.S. mainland. Hazard Management Cayman Islands cautioned residents near the coast to seek higher ground, predicting wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated she was coordinating with emergency services but did not endorse coastal evacuations.
The Dominican Republic alerted its citizens along the coast to move to elevations of over 20 meters and 2 kilometers inland, while the Cuban government directed residents in beachfront areas to evacuate. Authorities in Honduras reported no immediate damage but advised residents to avoid beaches temporarily due to ongoing assessments regarding wave heights.
NOAA later indicated that tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels could hit parts of Cuba, with forecasts for 0.3 to 1 meter increases along coasts of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. It cautioned that actual wave heights could vary based on local conditions and uncertainties in predictions.
Substantial seismic activity can instigate tsunami alerts in coastal regions, affecting countries and islands adjacent to ocean bodies. Earthquakes of significant magnitude, especially those occurring underwater, pose risks of generating tsunamis, leading governments to implement precautionary measures. The responding authorities typically monitor seismic data and advise communities accordingly to ensure public safety and preparedness in advancing tsunami risks.
In summary, the Caribbean faced potential tsunami threats following a significant earthquake southwest of the Cayman Islands. Governments across the region took serious precautions by issuing advisories for coastal evacuations and monitoring tsunami predictions. Residents were urged to heed safety alerts to mitigate risks associated with possible tsunami waves resulting from this seismic event.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
