Caribbean Experiences 7.6 Magnitude Earthquake, Evacuations Recommended

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea Saturday, causing temporary tsunami advisories but no significant damage reported. The Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and other regions issued evacuation warnings, which were largely lifted later. Authorities acted quickly to manage the situation, ensuring residents’ safety amid concerns of potential tsunamis.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea on Saturday, south of the Cayman Islands, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake occurred at 6:23 p.m. local time at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter positioned 130 miles (209 kilometers) south-southwest of George Town. Although tsunami alerts were briefly issued, many warnings were subsequently lifted across several regions.

In response to the earthquake, the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was later canceled. In the Cayman Islands, authorities advised local residents to evacuate coastal areas and move inland due to anticipated wave heights of 0.3 to 1 meter. However, an ‘all clear’ was later communicated via the governmental Facebook page.

The Governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, confirmed that she remained in contact with emergency services following the tsunami advisory, yet did not recommend evacuation from coastal regions. Nearby, local alarms triggered heavy traffic as citizens evacuated waterfront areas under concern of potential sea surges.

Additionally, the Dominican government issued a tsunami alert, advising coastal residents to seek higher ground before canceling it soon after. Honduran authorities reported no immediate damage but recommended avoiding beach areas. Furthermore, the Cuban government advised individuals in beachfront zones to evacuate, citing possible tsunami waves that could reach 1 to 3 meters above tide levels along its coasts.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake in the Caribbean caused temporary tsunami advisories, prompting evacuations and precautions in various regions, including the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. While some alerts were lifted promptly, local authorities acted swiftly to protect residents by recommending evacuation from coastal zones. Fortunately, no significant damages have been reported across affected areas, underscoring the importance of effective emergency response measures.

Original Source: www.wtap.com