7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Caribbean, Tsunami Advisories Issued
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands on Saturday, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while various countries warned coastal residents to evacuate inland due to tsunami risks. The quake’s epicenter was located 130 miles from George Town, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely as waves up to 3 meters are predicted.
A 7.6 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands on Saturday, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The earthquake struck at 6:23 p.m. local time, with an epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town at a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, several nations and territories advised coastal residents to evacuate inland to mitigate tsunami risks.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center indicated no tsunami warnings for the mainland United States; however, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended residents near the coast to move to higher ground, predicting wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón engaged with emergency agencies post-advisory but did not advise coastal evacuations.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic initiated a tsunami alert, directing coastal inhabitants to seek safety in areas exceeding 20 meters in altitude, at least 2 kilometers inland. The Cuban government instructed residents to evacuate beachfront locations. Reports from Honduras indicated no significant damage; nonetheless, local authorities advised residents to stay away from beaches temporarily.
Subsequently, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported potential tsunami waves reaching 1 to 3 meters above tide levels on specific Cuban coasts. The agency also forecasted waves reaching 0.3 to 1 meter above tide levels for certain areas of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The NOAA cautioned that actual wave amplitudes at the coast could differ from forecasts due to local factors.
The occurrence of earthquakes in the Caribbean region is a common geological phenomenon caused by the tectonic activity beneath the Earth’s surface. This particular earthquake, measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale, prompted urgent responses from various governments as the potential for tsunami development arises from seismic events of such magnitude. The response protocols involve advisories and directives to safeguard coastal populations from potential flooding and hazards associated with tsunami waves.
In summary, the magnitude 7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean prompted significant precautionary measures across several regions, particularly among coastal populations. Governments issued tsunami advisories and alerts, recommending evacuation and caution. While the mainland U.S. remains unaffected, the situation requires ongoing vigilance due to evolving sea conditions post-earthquake. Authorities remain prepared to respond to any further developments regarding tsunami threats.
Original Source: kvnutalk.com
