A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck near Honduras on February 8, 2025, prompting tsunami warnings for Cuba and the Cayman Islands. Tsunami waves of 1-3 meters are expected along Cuba’s coast, with smaller impacts in Honduras and the Cayman Islands. Monitoring for wave risks continues, with residents advised to follow local authorities’ guidance.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 struck the Caribbean region late Saturday, prompting tsunami warnings for multiple coastal areas. Occurring at 23:23 UTC on February 8, 2025, its epicenter was identified north of Honduras at coordinates 17.8°N, 82.5°W, with a depth of 33 km (20 miles). Coastal communities, particularly in Cuba and the Cayman Islands, have begun preparing for potential tsunami waves as alerts were issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).
The PTWC warned of waves between 1 to 3 meters expected along Cuba’s coastline and smaller surges ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter affecting Honduras and the Cayman Islands. Monitoring of sea-level gauges is ongoing to determine the full tsunami risk, with officials noting that actual wave heights may differ significantly due to local geography. Areas with barrier reefs may encounter lower impacts than initially predicted.
The estimated arrival times for tsunami waves began shortly after the earthquake, with Puerto Cortes, Honduras set to experience the first waves around 00:22 UTC on February 9. Subsequent impacts were forecasted for Trujillo and various points along Cuba’s coast. Notably, a tsunami consists of multiple waves, which may produce larger surges later on, potentially threatening coastal safety for hours.
While a tsunami warning was specifically not issued for the United States, coastal monitoring remains a priority. Officials in impacted regions are advising residents to remain vigilant and adhere to instructions, with evacuations possible where necessary. The U.S. Geological Survey remarked on the event, confirming the quake’s intensity and location. This situation is still evolving as additional information comes to light.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center plays a critical role in forecasting tsunami risks following seismic events, utilizing measurements of ocean waves to predict potential hazards. Earthquakes of magnitude 7.6 and above can result in significant tsunami threats, leading to the issuance of warnings and alerts for coastal communities. Areas like the Cayman Islands are particularly vulnerable given their location in proximity to tectonic fault lines, necessitating timely responses from authorities and residents.
In conclusion, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake near the Cayman Islands has raised significant tsunami alerts for nearby coastal areas, particularly affecting Cuba and Honduras. Authorities are continuously monitoring the situation to provide timely updates, given the potential risks posed by tsunami waves. Coastal communities are urged to remain prepared and informed to respond effectively to any developments.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
