A magnitude-7.6 earthquake occurred in the Caribbean, leading to a tsunami advisory that was later canceled for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The quake struck southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, but Cuban and other regions still have warnings for possible tsunami waves. Precautions were effective in ensuring safety for most residents.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, prompting a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The earthquake struck at approximately 6:23 p.m. ET, located 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Initially, the US National Tsunami Warning Center issued warnings instructing residents to avoid coastal areas, beaches, and harbors. However, the advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was later canceled.
Despite the cancellation for these areas, the tsunami threat remains for Cuba, where waves of between 1 to 3 meters above tide level may occur, and for Honduras and the Cayman Islands, where wave heights could reach up to 1 meter. These waves are anticipated between 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. ET.
This revision corrects the original story to accurately depict the earthquake’s epicenter location in relation to the affected areas. So far, no significant tsunami impacts have been reported for Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands, as precautions taken were successful in ensuring residents’ safety.
On October 21, 2023, a significant earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck in the Caribbean region, prompting immediate concerns of a tsunami. Earthquakes of this magnitude often lead to tsunami warnings due to the potential for large waves that may impact coastal regions. The rapid response from the US National Tsunami Warning Center highlights the importance of swift communication in ensuring public safety following seismic events. Understanding the potential effects and geographical implications of such earthquakes is crucial for preparedness and response plans in vulnerable areas. In this case, while the initial warning indicated severe threats to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the situation was reevaluated based on further assessments from the USGS and other authorities.
In summary, the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean Sea led to the issuance and subsequent cancellation of a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands due to no significant tsunami threat being observed in these areas. However, advisories remain active for regions including Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands where modest tsunami waves may still pose a risk. Continuing monitoring and timely communication are essential components in managing such natural disasters effectively.
Original Source: www.accuweather.com
