Magnitude-7.6 Earthquake Shakes Caribbean, Coastal Residents Urged to Evacuate
A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea near the Cayman Islands, prompting tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Some coastal regions, such as Cuba and the Dominican Republic, advised residents to evacuate inland to higher ground. While no immediate damages were reported in Honduras, caution was emphasized for beachgoers. NOAA projected possible tsunami waves in Cuba and the Cayman Islands.
On Saturday, the Caribbean Sea experienced a significant magnitude-7.6 earthquake southwest of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Occurring at 6:23 p.m. local time, the quake originated 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town with a depth of 10 kilometers. In response, island nations and territories have advised their coastal residents to seek higher ground due to potential tsunami threats.
Following the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center determined that while there was no tsunami alert for the U.S. mainland, a tsunami advisory was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Consequently, the Hazard Management Cayman Islands recommended that residents near the shore evacuate to inland areas, anticipating wave heights ranging from 0.3 to 1 meter.
Puerto Rico’s Governor Jenniffer González Colón stated her ongoing communication with emergency agencies after the tsunami advisory; however, she refrained from recommending evacuation for coastal inhabitants. The Dominican government issued a tsunami alert as well, advising residents to relocate to areas exceeding 20 meters in elevation and at least 2 kilometers away from the coast. They cautioned maritime activity and urged vessels to avoid the sea for several hours.
The Cuban government has similarly encouraged citizens to vacate beachfront locations. In Honduras, authorities have not reported immediate damage; nonetheless, they advised residents to steer clear of beaches during the forthcoming hours. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated that certain coastlines in Cuba could experience tsunami waves ranging from 1 to 3 meters above normal tide levels.
NOAA also projected that coastal regions of Honduras and the Cayman Islands might see waves rise between 0.3 and 1 meter above tide levels. They acknowledged that actual wave heights could differ from these forecasts due to unpredictable local features and uncertainties in prediction models.
The earthquake in the Caribbean prompted prompt responses from various island governments, particularly concerning potential tsunami threats. While evacuation was advised in many areas, Puerto Rico’s authorities opted for caution without mandating evacuations. The risk of tsunamis necessitated heightened awareness, with precautionary measures advised across affected regions. Continued monitoring and public safety messages underscored the importance of readiness in the face of natural disasters.
Original Source: abc7.com
