A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6 struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday evening, prompting tsunami warnings across multiple regions, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake hit approximately 129 miles southwest of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, at 6:23 p.m. ET, shaking coastal areas and raising concerns about potential tsunami waves.
Initial Tsunami Threat Issued for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands
Following the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) issued an alert for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, cautioning residents to stay away from beaches, harbors, marinas, and inlets. Authorities advised against approaching the shore to observe any unusual wave activity.
However, as further assessments were conducted, the NTWC lifted the tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, offering relief to residents in those territories.
Ongoing Tsunami Warnings for Cuba, Honduras, and Cayman Islands
While the risk subsided in some areas, tsunami warnings remained in place for Cuba, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands. The NTWC projected that Cuba could experience waves between 1 and 3 meters above tide level, while Honduras and the Cayman Islands could see waves ranging from 30 centimeters to 1 meter.
Authorities estimated that these waves could reach coastal areas between 8 p.m. ET and 10:30 p.m. ET, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
This developing situation highlights the unpredictable nature of seismic activity in the Caribbean, emphasizing the importance of swift emergency response and public awareness.
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