A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck north of Honduras at 6:23 p.m. ET on Saturday, leading to tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Potential sea level fluctuations and strong currents could pose hazards starting at 8:48 p.m. ET, prompting safety advisories for residents to evacuate coastal areas. Monitoring for potential tsunami waves is ongoing.
On Saturday, at 6:23 p.m. ET, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 20 miles north of Honduras, as confirmed by the USGS. In response, a tsunami advisory has been issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, indicating potential threats of sea level changes and strong currents along the coastlines.
The US National Tsunami Warning Center has estimated that hazardous sea conditions may begin at around 8:48 p.m. ET. Although the possibility of tsunami waves being generated is still unconfirmed, monitoring is ongoing to assess the situation. Residents are advised to take precautions by moving away from coastal areas.
In light of this event, the advisory urges individuals in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to evacuate from all beach and harbor areas. This includes avoiding shorelines to ensure safety against the unpredictable ocean conditions. Ongoing updates will be provided as this situation develops, highlighting the importance of public safety.
The Caribbean region is seismically active, making it susceptible to earthquakes, which can lead to tsunami threats. Earthquake magnitudes are measured on the Richter or moment magnitude scale, with higher numbers indicating more powerful quakes. Tsunami advisories are typically issued when an earthquake poses a risk of generating large ocean waves that can impact coastal areas, leading to potential flooding and hazards.
The 7.6 magnitude earthquake poses a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, prompting precautionary measures from authorities. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and maintain distance from coastal areas. Continuous monitoring by the National Tsunami Warning Center will guide further updates and safety advisories as necessary.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
