A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, prompting a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which was later canceled. Warnings remain in effect for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands, with potential tsunami waves expected later in the evening.
On Saturday, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, at 6:23 p.m. ET, as reported by the US Geological Survey. This seismic activity led to the issuance of a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Residents were instructed to evacuate coastal areas and avoid the water, beaches, and harbors due to the potential tsunami threat.
Later, the US National Tsunami Warning Center canceled the tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. However, warnings remained active for Cuba where waves of 1 to 3 meters above the normal tide level are expected, as well as for Honduras and the Cayman Islands, which may experience waves of 30 centimeters to 1 meter. These expected waves are projected to occur between 8:00 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET.
Earthquakes are natural disasters caused by the movement of tectonic plates, often leading to tremors that can generate tsunamis. The Caribbean region is seismically active due to its position near multiple tectonic boundaries, making it susceptible to significant earthquakes. Tsunami warnings are issued by alerting agencies based on the magnitude, depth, and location of earthquakes to ensure public safety, advising residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures and move away from coastal locales.
The recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean prompted temporary tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands—warnings that were later rescinded. While the immediate threat diminished for these regions, alerts remain active for nearby areas such as Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring post-earthquake. Preparedness and timely information dissemination can mitigate risks during such natural events.
Original Source: www.erienewsnow.com
