Magnitude-7.6 Earthquake Shakes the Caribbean, Coastal Evacuations Advised
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea south of the Cayman Islands, leading several islands to advise residents near coastlines to evacuate. Most tsunami alerts were later canceled, but authorities remained vigilant. The incident highlighted the quick response from governmental agencies to ensure public safety amidst the earthquake’s aftermath.
On Saturday, a magnitude-7.6 earthquake rocked the Caribbean Sea, approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town in the Cayman Islands. The quake, which occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time, had a shallow depth of 10 kilometers. Following the tremor, various islands and countries quickly advised coastal residents to evacuate inland, though most tsunami alerts were subsequently lifted.
The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that there was no tsunami alert for the mainland United States but did issue an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later canceled. In the Cayman Islands, the Hazard Management agency urged residents to seek higher ground due to potential wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. The Cayman Islands government later declared an “all clear” on their social media platform.
Governor Jenniffer González Colón of Puerto Rico announced that she was in communication with emergency agencies following the advisory and chose not to recommend evacuation from coastal areas. Meanwhile, alarms in Puerto Rico’s northwest region prompted many to leave coastal zones, exacerbating traffic congestion.
The Dominican Republic initially issued a tsunami alert, advising residents to move to higher grounds of at least 20 meters elevation and 2 kilometers inland, though this alert was also rescinded. In Honduras, officials reported no immediate damage but cautioned residents to avoid beaches. The Cuban government also recommended that individuals vacate beachfront areas, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported potential tsunami waves of 1 to 3 meters along some Cuban coasts.
The magnitude-7.6 earthquake in the Caribbean prompted swift action from authorities, with many islands urging coastal evacuations. Despite initial tsunami warnings, most alerts were lifted after assessments showed little immediate danger. The incident underscored the importance of preparedness and responsive emergency management in the region.
Original Source: www.wtap.com
