A strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean near the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Coastal residents were advised to evacuate inland as wave heights could reach 1 to 3 meters. There have been no severe damages reported as of now, but precautions remain critical.
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands on February 8, 2025, at 6:23 PM local time. The earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, according to the US Geological Survey. In response to the quake, several Caribbean islands issued advisories urging coastal residents to move inland as a precaution against potential tsunami threats.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center reported no tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland but initiated an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended that coastal residents seek higher ground, anticipating wave heights between 0.3 and 1 meter. Puerto Rican officials are monitoring the situation but have not called for evacuations along the coast.
The Dominican Republic enacted a tsunami alert, advising residents to relocate to areas above 20 meters elevation and at least 2 kilometers inland. This advisory extends to maritime activity, where ships were warned to avoid coastal waters. In Cuba, the government recommended that residents vacate beachfront regions due to tsunami risks.
Honduran authorities reported no immediate damage but urged residents to refrain from visiting beaches. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration later stated that tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters may impact some areas of Cuba, while Honduras and the Cayman Islands may see wave heights of up to 1 meter. Variations in actual wave heights are possible due to local conditions and forecasting uncertainties.
The Caribbean region is seismically active, often experiencing earthquakes due to tectonic plate movements. The recent magnitude-7.6 quake exemplifies this risk, prompting governments to issue tsunami advisories as a precaution. As tsunamis can be generated by undersea earthquakes, timely warnings and evacuation protocols are critical for coastal safety. This situation underscores the need for effective disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas.
In conclusion, the magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean raised immediate concerns regarding tsunami risks, leading to advisories for several islands, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. While the U.S. mainland faced no warnings, the importance of evacuation measures for coastal residents cannot be overstated in light of potential tsunami threats. Effective communication and timely response are essential for ensuring public safety during seismic events.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
