7.6 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Caribbean, Prompting Tsunami Warnings

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea, causing evacuation procedures and tsunami warnings for several islands. While initial alerts included Puerto Rico and Cuba, subsequent cancellations indicated no threat to the U.S. mainland. Local governments are working with emergency services to monitor potential aftershocks and ensure public safety.

On Saturday, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale occurred in the Caribbean Sea, specifically southwest of the Cayman Islands. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the event took place at 6:23 p.m. local time, with the epicenter located approximately 130 miles south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, and at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; however, these warnings were subsequently retracted as they determined no threat existed to the U.S. mainland. In Puerto Rico’s northwest region, alarms caused mass evacuations from coastlines, resulting in significant traffic congestion.

Hazard Management officials in the Cayman Islands recommended that residents seek higher ground and move inland due to the potential threat of waves between 0.3 and 1 meter tall. Meanwhile, in Cuba, authorities advised beachgoers to evacuate coastal areas, and the Dominican Republic suggested moving to higher elevations beyond 20 meters and at least 2 kilometers inland, though these alerts were later canceled.

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued a tsunamic advisory encouraging vigilance among residents. Additionally, Honduran authorities reported no immediate damage from the earthquake but advised against staying near beaches. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) assessed that tsunami waves reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters above tidal levels could impact certain coastal areas of Cuba, though actual sizes may differ due to local geographical features.

Local government officials in affected areas are collaborating with emergency agencies to monitor the situation closely, as aftershocks remain a possible risk.

The Caribbean region is susceptible to seismic activity due to its location along tectonic plate boundaries, making earthquakes and potential tsunamis a significant concern. This particular 7.6 magnitude earthquake prompted multiple tsunami warnings from various agencies, which reflected the immediate response to safeguard lives and property in coastal areas. Emergency protocols activated evacuations and precautionary measures across several islands, underscoring the importance of preparedness in disaster management.

In summary, the recent 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean resulted in tsunami warnings and evacuation protocols across several islands. While the initial advisories prompted significant responses, including evacuations in Puerto Rico and coastal alerts in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, all tsunami threats were ultimately deemed non-existent for the U.S. mainland. Local governments are maintaining vigilance as seismic monitoring and emergency readiness continue in the wake of the earthquake.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk