A magnitude-7.6 earthquake occurred south of the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami advisories for several Caribbean nations. Most alerts were later lifted, and authorities advised coastal residents to move inland. The Dominican Republic and Cuba issued warnings, but Honduras reported no significant damage following the quake.
On Saturday, a powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, south of the Cayman Islands, at 6:23 p.m. local time. The U.S. Geological Survey noted that the earthquake measured a depth of 10 kilometers and was centered approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. Following the quake, tsunami advisories were issued in various areas but were later lifted as conditions stabilized.
In response to the quake, the Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended coastal residents relocate to higher ground due to anticipated wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. Although a tsunami advisory was initially released for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it was subsequently canceled. Puerto Rico’s Governor, Jenniffer González Colón, confirmed ongoing communication with emergency agencies but did not advise coastal evacuations.
The Dominican Republic also issued a tsunami alert for its coastal residents, recommending relocation to areas at least 20 meters high and 2 kilometers inland. This alert was later retracted as well. In Honduras, authorities advised people to avoid beaches, while Cuba issued warnings urging residents to vacate beachfront locations, with potential waves predicted to reach 1 to 3 meters above the tide level.
The Caribbean region is seismically active, frequently experiencing earthquakes due to tectonic movements. The recent magnitude-7.6 earthquake, occurring south of the Cayman Islands, exemplifies the geological risk faced by coastal communities. Quick responses from local governments and emergency agencies are critical in reducing risks associated with potential tsunami threats following such seismic events, as tsunamis can cause significant damage and loss of life. Understanding earthquake alerts, tsunami advisories, and emergency procedures is vital for affected populations to ensure their safety.
This article highlights a significant seismic event in the Caribbean, leading to precautionary tsunami advisories and governmental responses. While the earthquake prompted urgent safety measures in multiple regions, the subsequent cancellation of alerts indicates that the situation stabilized without major incidents. Coastal communities must remain vigilant and informed regarding earthquake preparedness and emergency protocols.
Original Source: www.wifr.com
