Magnitude-7.6 Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Advisories in the Caribbean

A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean southwest of the Cayman Islands on February 8, 2025, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other coastal areas. While no tsunami warning was issued for the U.S. mainland, governments advised residents to evacuate to higher ground. Speculation of wave heights between 0.3 meters to 3 meters emerged, with ongoing assessments by local authorities.

On Saturday, February 8, 2025, a powerful magnitude-7.6 earthquake affected the Caribbean Sea, specifically southwest of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. Occurring at 6:23 PM local time, the quake’s epicenter was identified approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town and exhibited a depth of 10 kilometers. In light of potential tsunami threats, several coastal regions were prompted to evacuate.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that while the U.S. mainland remained unaffected, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Local authorities in the Cayman Islands urged individuals residing along the coast to evacuate inland to higher ground, anticipating wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter.

In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón assured that she was in contact with emergency agencies following the tsunami advisory but refrained from advising coastal residents to evacuate. The Dominican Republic’s government issued its own tsunami alert, recommending that coastal individuals ascend to elevations exceeding 20 meters and retreat 2 kilometers inland, while also advising ships to remain clear of the waters.

Cuban authorities similarly requested the evacuation of beachfront areas. Though there were no immediate damage reports from Honduras, local officials advised residents to steer clear of beaches for the time being. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration later projected that tsunami waves may reach heights of 1 to 3 meters along certain Cuban coasts, with 0.3 to 1 meter waves possible along Honduras and the Cayman Islands.

The NOAA noted that actual coastal wave heights may differ from predictions due to various uncertainties and local geographical factors.

The article discusses a recent significant earthquake in the Caribbean, highlighting the urgent responses from various governments in the region. Earthquakes, particularly those that occur in maritime regions, often pose risks of tsunamis, prompting emergency protocols from local authorities. Assessing wave height expectations is critical for coastal safety, and government entities play a vital role in ensuring public awareness and preparedness during such natural disasters.

In summary, the magnitude-7.6 earthquake that struck the Caribbean has prompted several governments to issue tsunami advisories and evacuation guidelines for coastal residents. Although there were no immediate reports of damage, authorities remain vigilant concerning potential tsunami impacts, with specific advisories in place for affected islands. Continued monitoring and communication between government agencies are essential to ensure safety in the affected areas.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com