Magnitude-7.6 Earthquake Shakes Caribbean, Eliciting Evacuations and Tsunami Advisories
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands while urging coastal residents on various islands to evacuate inland. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, with anticipated wave heights causing warnings across several nations, including Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, approximately southwest of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time and was located at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter found 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands. Following this incident, several islands and nations issued advisories urging coastal residents to relocate inland as a precaution against potential tsunami activity.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center indicated that while there was no tsunami alert for the mainland United States, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hazard Management Cayman Islands advised residents in coastal areas to seek higher ground, predicting wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter. In Puerto Rico, Governor Jenniffer González Colón reported liaising with emergency agencies but did not recommend an evacuation of coastal areas at this time.
The Dominican Republic’s government activated a tsunami alert, advising coastal residents to move to areas that are at least 20 meters high and 2 kilometers inland. Additionally, officials recommended that vessels avoid entering the sea for the next several hours. In Cuba, the government requested that individuals vacate beachfront zones, while Honduran authorities announced no immediate damages but cautioned residents to stay clear of beaches for the time being.
Subsequent reports from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicated that tsunami waves could reach heights of 1 to 3 meters above the tide level along certain coasts of Cuba. Furthermore, waves between 0.3 and 1 meter were anticipated along some shores of Honduras and the Cayman Islands. The NOAA cautioned that actual wave measurements may differ from those forecasted due to uncertainties and local coastal features.
In summary, a significant earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck the Caribbean, prompting officials in several nations to advise coastal residents to evacuate to safer areas inland. Although there was no tsunami threat for the U.S. mainland, advisories were issued for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and parts of the Caribbean to prepare for possible tsunami waves. Emergency directives continue to be monitored to ensure public safety in the affected regions.
Original Source: abc7.com
